Analysis of restrained curling stresses and temperature measurements in concrete pavements

Measurements taken at four different road section locations show that if there is a temperature differential between the top and bottom of a concrete pavement slab there is a tendency for the slab to curl. When this curling tendency is restrained, as by the weight of the slab itself, large stresses can be created. Theoretical considerations were developed to show that restrained curling stresses can develop which are approximately three times as great as those caused by a calculated wheel load placed on the top surface, away from the edge, of a slab based on an elastic support. Results of field installation experiments are included in this paper which show that the magnitudes of these restrained curling stresses are dependent upon the temperature distribution, concrete properties and condition, underlying support conditions, and edge restraints. It is shown that effects of these stresses on the pavement performance can only be determined when the duration and frequency of temperatures are known.