Joint Design Optimization - Julie Vandenbossche

Joint Design Optimization

PROJECTS UNDERWAY SOON Annual Meeting -MAY 24, 2021Steven Sachs PI: Julie Vandenbossche, PhD, PE ich 1 University of Pittsburgh | Swanson School of Engineering

Research Problem Goal: Long-term performance of the joints in JPCP with minimal maintenance activities Jt Performance is dependent on the interaction of individual elements of the pavement structure like….

• Load transfer • Jt reservoir/sealant design But also….

• Concrete durability • Quality of construction • Traffic level • Maintenance activities University of Pittsburgh | Swanson School of Engineering

Research Problem Goal: Long-term performance of the joints in JPCP with minimal maintenance activities Jt Performance is dependent on the interaction of individual elements of the pavement structure like….

• Load transfer • Jt reservoir/sealant design But also….

But typically designed • Concrete durability evaluated/independently • Quality of construction of one another • Traffic level • Maintenance activities University of Pittsburgh | Swanson School of Engineering

Project Objectives

Project Focal Points: Joint sealant: o Effectiveness: Early-age and long-term performance o Identify opportunities for improvement

 Corrosion resistant dowels: o Corrosion models and dowel corrosion performance data will be identified and evaluated to determine which can be incorporated into currently fault development models

University of Pittsburgh | Swanson School of Engineering

Project Approach

 Task A: Literature review on joint performance o o o o

Reservoir design Sealing Innovative sealant materials Dowel bar performance data and corrosion models

 Task B: Performance review o Info request from Allegheny County, Turnpike & PennDOT • Design/performance/Maintenance/CPR

o Two site visits

University of Pittsburgh | Swanson School of Engineering

Project Approach

Task C: Evaluate reservoir design procedure Task D: Quantify the effects of corrosion on dowel performance Task E: Development of joint design strategies that optimize joint performance while limiting maintenance needs Task F: Draft final report Task G: Final report University of Pittsburgh | Swanson School of Engineering

Schedule Projected Schedule: FY 21-22 A

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Task A Task B Task C Task D Task E Task F Task G

Start: Aug 1, 2021 Duration: Two years University of Pittsburgh | Swanson School of Engineering

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