Three Dimensional Finite Element Model for Active Crack Control in Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement

Crack patterns in continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCPs) traditionally have been controlled by continuous longitudinal reinforcement steel. This passive crack control has resulted in the formation of an unfavorable crack pattern with a high probability of clusters of closely spaced cracks, which has eventually led to premature distresses such as spalling and punch-out in the later age of CRCP. In an effort to eliminate the cluster cracking and crack meandering, the standard design concept for CRCP in Belgium underwent several changes over time, mainly addressing the longitudinal reinforcement rate, depth of the reinforcement steel, and thickness of the concrete slab. In the current design concept, the active crack control method in the form of partial surface saw-cuts on side of the concrete slab perpendicular to the axis of the road within 16–24 h after the placement of concrete is being employed to facilitate the formation of a regular spaced crack pattern in CRCP. However, this area needs further investigation and validation. The present study investigates the early-age crack pattern induced by active crack control method under typical Belgian conditions. Therefore, a 3D finite element model of CRCP with induced partial surface saw-cuts is developed using FE tool Diana 10.2. Findings show that active crack control method exhibits the cracking sooner than passive crack control method. Moreover, a more controlled and regular spaced crack pattern is produced.