Thermal stress analysis in ultra-thin whitetopping pavement

The primary objective of this theoretical thermal stress calculation for ultra-thin whitetopping (UTW) was to determine if the initial crack spacing at early ages (e.g., 24 hours) can be estimated. Temperature profile data and laboratory elastic and fracture parameters are presented for several concrete mixtures at early ages. The analytical model coupled with the measured field data revealed that 4 by 4 ft UTW panels will not crack at every saw-cut joint for the concrete mixtures and climatic conditions evaluated. Larger joint spacing, such as 6 by 6 ft, is sufficient but still may not propagate cracks at every joint. Initiating more joint cracks at early ages may be attained by higher stresses in the concrete layer (e.g., more slab restraint or longer slab sizes), lower material fracture properties, or a deeper notch depth.