Factors Affecting Load Transfer Efficiency on Rigid Pavements

This research documents evaluation of load transfer efficiency of joints and crack for rigid pavements. Load transfer is essential because parameter affects pavement longevity. LTE at the joint is determined universally by using falling weight deflectometer, it is based on the ratio of the maximum deflection at the joint of the loaded slab and the deflection of the unloaded slab measured right across the joint from the maximum deflection. Deflection-testing data in LTPP program was used for calculation of load transfer efficiency parameters and joint stiffness. Trend analysis were performed in MATLAB using artificial neural networking (ANN) to assess the effect of designs characteristics and site conditions on load transfer efficiency. Key findings from this study were large amounts of high quality LTE data was analyzed. LTE data from LTPP program can be used for future designs of pavements and rehabilitation procedures. Load Transfer Efficiency is a depends on many factors like plate load position temperature and seasons, Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) device , presence of dowels, joint openings, base type, subgrade stiffness and PCC thickness. A correlation were found between load transfer efficiency and PCC slab temperature when higher temperature resulted in higher LTE for joints. LTE of doweled joints was significantly higher than efficiency of non-doweled joints in findings. One benefit of this study is for proper and effective treatment selection, which will result in lower maintenance cost of pavements.