Stress Prediction for Cracking of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements, 1925–2000: An Overview

• Published in: Transportation research record 2005, Vol.1919 (1), p.47-53
• Main Author: Ioannides, Anastasios M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0361-1981; 2169-4052
• DOI: 10.1177/0361198105191900106

The evolution of analytical methods for the prediction of cracking in jointed plain concrete pavements was traced over the period from the publication of Westergaard's early work until the year 2000. This development was accomplished in parallel with the birth and coming of age of geotechnical engineering and was likewise pioneered by a number of colorful and distinguished personalities. Westergaard's limiting assumptions have defined the task for generations of pavement engineers who, with road tests and laboratory studies, jerry-rigged equipment, and sophisticated electronic tools, have eventually managed to eliminate each one of them. As a new era of mechanistic–empirical pavement design is ushered in, it behooves the profession to undertake a concerted and serious effort to eliminate the most crucial remaining stumbling block to their efforts: Miner's fatigue hypothesis. Fracture mechanics, similitude concepts, and the principles of dimensional analysis hold the brightest promise of a future worthy of the pioneers celebrated here.