Load Transfer Theoretical Analysis of a Rigid Aircraft Pavement Contraction Joint Using a Novel Approach for Crack Characterization

Sean Jamieson; Greg White

doi:10.3390/ma19020376

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Load Transfer Theoretical Analysis of a Rigid Aircraft Pavement Contraction Joint Using a Novel Approach for Crack Characterization

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Load Transfer Theoretical Analysis of a Rigid Aircraft Pavement Contraction Joint Using a Novel Approach for Crack Characterization

Sean Jamieson and Greg White

Materials, Vol.19(2), pp.1-18

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020376

PMCID: PMC12843403

PMID: 41598087

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Abstract

airport

load transfer

rigid pavement

aggregate interlock

finite element modeling

The contraction joints within paver runs are important for the design and construction of rigid aircraft pavements. These joints are typically un-doweled and sawn into the pavement to induce a crack. The joints control shrinkage cracking during curing, allow for thermal expansion and contraction, and provide load transfer through aggregate interlock joint stiffness between adjacent slabs. Aggregate interlock joint stiffness is typically modeled by assigning a spring element between two slabs that is indicative of the stiffness of the joint. However, that simplification may not accurately represent the complex interaction of irregularly shaped concrete faces and joint openings. Consequently, previous researchers have recommended modelling aggregate interlock stiffness based on physical crack shape. This research uses a novel approach to characterize crack shape through an idealized two-dimensional sinusoidal shape. Once the crack shape was defined, finite element methods were used to determine the significance of load, sublayer, and crack shape factors on load transfer values. It was determined that joint opening was the most significant factor for aggregate interlock load transfer. Future research is recommended to further validate the model against a larger data set, to confirm if the two-dimensional idealization of crack shape is an appropriate estimation of field conditions.

Details

Title: Load Transfer Theoretical Analysis of a Rigid Aircraft Pavement Contraction Joint Using a Novel Approach for Crack Characterization
Authors: Sean Jamieson - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Greg White (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Publication details: Materials, Vol.19(2), pp.1-18
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.3390/ma19020376
ISSN: 1996-1944
PMID: 41598087; PMC12843403
Copyright note: © 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.
Data Availability: The original contributions presented in this study are included in the article. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991200050902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Chemistry, Physical; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary; Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering; Physics, Applied; Physics, Condensed Matter