Hygro-thermo-mechanical model for concrete pavement from an early age to a long-term performance

A new 3D hygro-thermo-mechanical model for a concrete pavement slab is formulated, capturing its behavior from casting to long-term drying. The model includes a microprestress-solidification viscoelastic model for concrete ageing creep. Calibrations and validations are based on lab experiments and a four year continuous monitoring of a real highway slab. The results show that slab drying leads to the highest principal tensile stress on the surface as high as 3.5 MPa. Simulated temperature cycles and traffic loading yield smaller stresses. In this regard, concrete crack resistance during drying should be considered in material and structural design.