Finite Element Analysis of Jointed Concrete Pavements

A finite element method programmed for a computer is presented for determining the stresses and deflections in multiple slabs on elastic solids. The method is an extension to that presented in a previous paper by applying the analysis from two slabs to multiple slabs with various types of shear transfer across the joints and by incorporating a method of successive approximations for checking partial contact. These modifications make possible the application of the computer program to many practical cases which could not be analyzed previously. Comparisons of the stresses and deflections obtained by the method with those measured in the Arlington test for several cases of loading show that if the load is away from the pavement edge, the finite element solutions based on full contact check reasonably well with the experimental measurements. However, if the load is applied near to the pavement edge, the computed deflections based on partial contact check more closely with the measured deflections than those based on full contact.