Finite element modelling of jointed plain concrete pavements under rolling forklift tire

This research addresses the critical issue of load transfer efficiency (LTE) in jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP), with a specific focus on the role of dowel bars in ensuring optimal load transfer and providing a comfortable ride for vehicles. While experimental studies have investigated factors like joint width, slab thickness, concrete strength, and dowel bar size that influence LTE, they are limited in their ability to accurately replicate real-world conditions and can be time-consuming. To overcome these limitations, finite element modelling (FEM) is employed as a powerful tool for simulating complex loading conditions and analyzing stress and strain distributions in pavements. The primary objective of this research is to develop an advanced FE model that incorporates the forklift tire-pavement interaction, enabling precise analysis of complex loading conditions in industrial pavements and the impact of various rigid pavement parameters on load transfer. By explicitly considering the interaction between the tire and pavement, the proposed model will provide an extensive and robust numerical tool for designers and engineers. Additionally, this study represents a novel framework to integrate concrete pavement dowel bars and complex tire modelling using FEM. The developed methodology holds significant promise in optimizing the design of dowel bar systems and back-calculating the pavement parameters for rolling weight deflectometers.