Investigation of the efficiency of the joint transfer impulse load using finite element analysis

Load transfer efficiency (LTE) is the measure of the integrity of the joint to share the load to adjacent bars. It is being evaluated in the field by imposing impact load through heavy/falling weight deflector (H/FWD) and measuring the pavements response. These test are being analyzed statically assuming that if the same magnitude of peak load is applied on the pavement, it will result to the peak response gathered by deflection sensors. It has been proven by numerous research that the use of static analysis for the dynamic testing results to overestimation/underestimation. This study investigates the behavior of the joint based on impulse loading conducted in the field and gives a better understanding by simulating the same load using finite element analysis in Abaqus. Findings from the field are presented and the difference between the static and dynamic analysis using finite element analysis (Abaqus, 2017) were compared