Parameter studies and verifications on three-dimensional finite element analysis of rigid pavements

The main objective of this study was to conduct in-depth parameter studies and verifications on three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FEM) analysis of rigid pavements. A systematic analytical approach was utilized and implemented in a Visual Basic software package to study the effects of mesh fineness and element selection. The deflection and stress convergence characteristics of various 3-D shell and solid elements were investigated. Several guidelines in mesh fineness and element selection were developed and recommended. Using the principles of dimensional analysis, an additional dimensionless variable (h/a, where h is the thickness of the slab and a is the radius of the applied load) was identified and verified to have a substantial influence on ABAQUS runs using either 3-D shell elements or 3-D solid elements. Separate 3-D FEM stress and deflection databases were developed using all dimensionless variables. An example critical stress predictive model was developed. Together with the existing two-dim...