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<p>The structural mechanics analysis of rigid pavement is recognized as highly complex due to the intricate interactions between its components. This study utilizes the 3D finite element program EverFE as an analytical tool to investigate the mechanical response of a cement concrete pavement system under two bonding conditions: bonded and unbonded between the slab and the base. The independent variable investigated is the slab-base interface condition. The pavement structure consists of a conventional Portland concrete slab made of Portland cement. Mechanical parameters, including vertical displacement, maximum stress, shear stress distribution, and rotation moment along the dowels, are evaluated. Significant differences in stress distribution, load transfer efficiency, and structural behavior are observed between the two conditions. Quantitatively, the bonded interface reduced the maximum principal tensile stress at the slab edge by approximately 14%, from 0.986&#xa0;MPa in the unbonded condition to 1.15&#xa0;MPa in the bonded condition. The peak dowel shear force exhibited a range of approximately − 8 kN to 8 kN under both conditions; however, the unbonded condition produced a more pronounced non-uniform distribution with significantly higher stress concentrations in the central dowels, indicating reduced load transfer efficiency. The corresponding rotation moment at the dowel-concrete interface was reduced from a range of -300&#xa0;N·m to 80&#xa0;N·m in the unbonded condition to a range of -200&#xa0;N·m to 1200&#xa0;N·m in the bonded condition. Under bonded conditions, uniform stress distribution and efficient load transfer are achieved, emphasizing the importance of effective bonding in optimizing pavement performance. Conversely, the unbonded condition exhibits non-uniform stress distribution and reduced load transfer efficiency, increasing mechanical vulnerability and potential structural deterioration. This study is limited by its static, linear-elastic framework, which does not account for dynamic traffic loading, thermal gradients, or cyclic fatigue. The dense liquid foundation representation also simplifies actual field support conditions. The findings highlight the critical role of interface bonding in pavement performance, particularly in the context of the contact relationships between the slab and the base, the force transfer rod and the concrete, and the tie rod and the concrete. Future research should extend this work by incorporating moving loads, cyclic loading sequences, and thermal analysis to evaluate progressive interface degradation. Field validation using instrumented pavement sections is also recommended. Recommendations include regular inspection and maintenance of the bonding interface, strategic dowel placement, use of high-quality bonding materials, and optimized pavement design to enhance durability and safety. By addressing the scientific problem of contact behavior and its impact on pavement mechanics, this study provides actionable insights for designing and maintaining resilient, high-performance rigid pavement systems, contributing to the development of more sustainable infrastructure.</p>

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Impact of Slab-Base Interaction on Cement Concret ePavement Responses

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月14日

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  • Lana Elabbas Abdelhaliem Babiker,
  • Xin Jiang,
  • Canyang Cui,
  • Hanyan Gu,
  • Yanjun Qiu

摘要

The structural mechanics analysis of rigid pavement is recognized as highly complex due to the intricate interactions between its components. This study utilizes the 3D finite element program EverFE as an analytical tool to investigate the mechanical response of a cement concrete pavement system under two bonding conditions: bonded and unbonded between the slab and the base. The independent variable investigated is the slab-base interface condition. The pavement structure consists of a conventional Portland concrete slab made of Portland cement. Mechanical parameters, including vertical displacement, maximum stress, shear stress distribution, and rotation moment along the dowels, are evaluated. Significant differences in stress distribution, load transfer efficiency, and structural behavior are observed between the two conditions. Quantitatively, the bonded interface reduced the maximum principal tensile stress at the slab edge by approximately 14%, from 0.986 MPa in the unbonded condition to 1.15 MPa in the bonded condition. The peak dowel shear force exhibited a range of approximately − 8 kN to 8 kN under both conditions; however, the unbonded condition produced a more pronounced non-uniform distribution with significantly higher stress concentrations in the central dowels, indicating reduced load transfer efficiency. The corresponding rotation moment at the dowel-concrete interface was reduced from a range of -300 N·m to 80 N·m in the unbonded condition to a range of -200 N·m to 1200 N·m in the bonded condition. Under bonded conditions, uniform stress distribution and efficient load transfer are achieved, emphasizing the importance of effective bonding in optimizing pavement performance. Conversely, the unbonded condition exhibits non-uniform stress distribution and reduced load transfer efficiency, increasing mechanical vulnerability and potential structural deterioration. This study is limited by its static, linear-elastic framework, which does not account for dynamic traffic loading, thermal gradients, or cyclic fatigue. The dense liquid foundation representation also simplifies actual field support conditions. The findings highlight the critical role of interface bonding in pavement performance, particularly in the context of the contact relationships between the slab and the base, the force transfer rod and the concrete, and the tie rod and the concrete. Future research should extend this work by incorporating moving loads, cyclic loading sequences, and thermal analysis to evaluate progressive interface degradation. Field validation using instrumented pavement sections is also recommended. Recommendations include regular inspection and maintenance of the bonding interface, strategic dowel placement, use of high-quality bonding materials, and optimized pavement design to enhance durability and safety. By addressing the scientific problem of contact behavior and its impact on pavement mechanics, this study provides actionable insights for designing and maintaining resilient, high-performance rigid pavement systems, contributing to the development of more sustainable infrastructure.