Resumen de Joint modeling for JPCP: successes and pending problems
The studies for modeling the load transfer behavior of jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP) made under Federal Aviation of Administration sponsorship since 1992 and a few earlier works are summarized. Four criteria were used to evaluate joint mechanistic models and to discover deficiencies in the models before improving them. Detailed examples are provided to show how the problems were discovered. Some mechanism related joint behaviors were observed in full scale tests first at the FAA’s National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF). Then verifications and valid conditions were determined by mechanistic analysis. The combination of the full-scale tests and mechanistic analysis is an effective approach to develop and improve the joint models that have been adopted by the FAA for its new rigid airport pavement design and evaluation procedures. Pending problems in joint modeling and future needs are also discussed.
