Small-scale laboratory tests for quantifying aggregate interlocking in short-panelled concrete pavements

Abstract

In the present study, a simple and reliabe small-scale laboratory test to assess the performance of aggregate interlocked joints in short-panelled concrete pavements in terms of LTE is proposed. In the proposed test method, conventional standard flexural strength test beam specimens (100×100× 500mm) are used for understanding the performance of aggregate interlocking of PQC mix specimens prepared using coarse aggregates of different NMAS and with addition of both micro and macro fibers. The test setup is also modelled in ANSYS FE software. The experimentally obtained LTE is compared with the LTE obtained from the FE model. The field FWD test is conducted for validation. The relative movement is determined from FWD test, and corresponding LTE is determined using the LTE and RM relationship obtained from experimental results using the proposed test apparatus. There exists good linear fit between the LTE determined using proposed test and field FWD test results. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.