Evaluation of Internally Cured Concrete Pavement Using Environmental Responses and Critical Stress Analysis

Kim, Kukjoo; Chun, Sanghyun · 2015 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1007/s40069-015-0115-6

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Summary

This study evaluates the structural behavior and performance of internally cured concrete (ICC) pavements under Florida environmental conditions, addressing the need to mitigate shrinkage cracking and premature failure associated with high-strength concrete. The research compares ICC mixtures, which utilize lightweight aggregates (LWA) as internal water reservoirs, against a standard concrete mixture. The primary objective was to assess how ICC responds to environmental loads, such as temperature gradients and heavy vehicle traffic, and to determine its potential for improved durability and reduced cracking susceptibility. The methodology involved constructing three full-scale instrumented test slabs: one standard mix (0.40 water-cement ratio) and two ICC mixes (one with 0.32 water-cement ratio and higher cement content, the other with 0.40 water-cement ratio). Laboratory tests measured mechanical properties, including compressive strength, elastic modulus, and drying shrinkage. Full-scale field testing utilized a Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) to apply traffic loads, while embedded sensors—strain gages, thermocouples, and linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs)—monitored environmental responses. Additionally, a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model was developed and calibrated using strain data from the HVS tests to predict critical stresses under various loading and temperature conditions. Results indicated that ICC mixtures exhibited lower elastic moduli and reduced drying shrinkage compared to the standard mix, although compressive strength varied based on mix design. Field measurements revealed that ICC slabs experienced higher temperature differentials due to lower thermal conductivity but demonstrated significantly less curling and lower environmental strain changes than the standard slab. The FE analysis, validated against measured strains, showed that ICC slabs had lower computed stress-to-strength ratios under critical loading conditions (98 kN axle load) and severe temperature differentials. This lower ratio suggests a reduced likelihood of cracking and better fatigue performance. The study concludes that ICC slabs are less susceptible to environmental-induced stresses and exhibit better potential performance than standard concrete pavements in Florida conditions. The reduced stiffness and improved hydration provided by lightweight aggregates contribute to lower residual stresses and enhanced durability. These findings support the use of ICC as a viable alternative for rigid pavements, offering improved resistance to cracking and potentially longer service life under typical climatic and loading scenarios.

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