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This paper presents a finite-element model of a jointed concrete pavement with aggregate interlocking load transfer system. Interlocking mechanism has been modeled by a set of discrete springs. A new parameter “modulus of interlocking joint (Kj)” has been introduced to represent the load transfer characteristics of the interlocked joint. Guidelines have been proposed for the selection of the modulus of interlocking joint as a function of aggregate size and joint opening. Stiffness values for the linear springs can be selected using the modulus value Kj. The numerical model, with the joint spring stiffness values selected from the present guidelines, has been validated with experimental results available in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a jointed concrete pavement, the dowel bar system and the aggregate interlock are two mechanisms for transferring wheel loads from one panel to the adjacent panel. The aggregate interlocking load transfer mechanism is effective for narrow joints while the dowel bar system works well for both narrow and wider joints. This paper examines the effects of different parameters on load transfer efficiency of a joint with the help of a three-dimensional finite-element model for the analysis of a dowel-jointed concrete pavement. The model was compared using experimental data available in the literature. The group action of the dowel bar system was also examined and useful relationships have been developed for estimation of the relative load shared by the individual dowel bars. These relationships will be useful in the design and evaluation of dowel jointed concrete pavements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cement concrete pavements, a separation membrane is usually placed between the base and the concrete slab to make the interface condition smooth. A smoother interface condition offers less resistance to the movement of the slab caused by variation in temperature and moisture. However, a rough interface is useful in reducing load associated stresses. As the degree of bonding between the slab and the foundation influences the friction mobilized at the interface, a realistic assessment of interface friction is necessary for rational design of concrete pavements. In the present study, the interface friction of typical concrete pavements was evaluated by performing a number of push-off tests. For this purpose, concrete slabs were laid over different types of bases with smooth as well as rough interface condition. A parametric analytical study was conducted using finite-element method to evaluate the effect of different interface conditions on the critical responses of pavement subjected to the combined action of axle load and temperature variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-linear finite element analyses of structures (such as beams) involve construction of weak solutions for the governing equations. While a weak approach weakens the differentiability requirements of the so-called shape functions, the governing equations are only satisfied in an integral sense and not point-wise, or, even path-wise. Moreover, use of a finite mesh leads to a stiffening of the numerical model. While strong solutions obtained through some of the existing mesh-free collocation methods overcomes some of these lacunae to an extent, the quality of the numerical solutions would be considerably improved if the computational algorithm were able to faithfully reproduce (or approximate or preserve) certain geometrical features of the response surfaces or manifolds. This paper takes the first step towards realizing this objective and proposes a multi-step transversal linearization (MTL) technique for a class of non-linear boundary value problems, which are treated as conditionally dynamical systems. Numerical explorations are performed, to a limited extent, through applications to large deflection analyses of planar beams with or without plastic deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear response of multi-layered composite cylindrical shell panels subjected to thermomechanical loads are studied in this article. The structural model is based on the first order shear deformation theory incorporating geometric nonlinearities. The nonlinear equilibrium paths are traced using the arc-length control algorithm within the framework of finite element method. Hashin’s failure criterion has been adopted to predict the first-ply failure of cylindrical laminates. Both temperature independent and temperature dependent elastic properties are considered in the analysis. Specific numerical results are reported to show the effect of radius-to-span ratio, thickness-to-span ratio, laminate stacking sequence, and boundary condition on stability characteristics of laminated cylindrical shell panels subjected to combined thermal and mechanical transverse loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which carried out the buckling and postbuckling analysis of shear deformable composite skew plates subjected to combined uniaxial compression and uniform temperature rise using the finite element method. Impact of the development of high-strength composite materials on the concept of structural design; Formulation of the finite element method; Calculation of the buckling load; Results and discussion.