Computation of thermal stresses in rigid pavement

For the sake of convenient application and avoiding consulting a nomogram for the calculation of thermal stresses,an empirical formula,which has precision in use,for the coefficient of thermal stresses was presented through a great deal of calculation for different pavements.The calculation method of the equivalent modulus of elasticity of foundation based on the principles of displacement equivalence can’t actually reflect the influence of semi-rigid base on the thermal stresses in cement concrete pavement.A calculation method of the equivalent modulus of elasticity of foundation based on the principles of thermal stress equivalence was established.The method could accurately reflect the influence of the modulus and thickness of semi-rigid type base on the cement concrete pavement thermal stresses.The computed results was consistent with those of 3D FEM,indicating that the calculation method was reliable.