A 3-D Finite Element Structural Model of an Instrumental Rigid Pavement (I-265 Gene Snyder Freeway, Louisville, Kentucky)

Field data that were generated from a section of concrete pavement on Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265), Louisville, Kentucky, were closely examined. An important conclusion of the field data examination was that the response produced by environmental load was more significant than traffic load and static load. To predict the mechanical behavior of the rigid pavement, a finite element model was developed for the project using the ANSYS program. The parametric study of the FEA model showed that the stiffness of subbase and subgrade had the most important effect on the mechanical response of the rigid pavement. On the basis of the parametric study, a calibration was also conducted for the FEA model by using the field test data and a set of parameters that acceptably fit the field data. The calibrated EFA model will be used to develop a more scientifically based rigid pavement design and maintenance system for Kentucky conditions