Furthermore, the viscous properties of various CRM mixes were tested as a function of mixing time using a Brookfield viscometer. Temperature variation causes curling and thermal expansion stresses.
Curling stresses result from temperature gradients through a slab depth.
Thermal expansion stresses are induced due to uniform changes in temperature that cause the slab to expand. The finite element model has the capability to solve for partial contact between curled slabs and the ground, to investigate the effect of compressive stresses that may develop at the joints during curling, and to study the influence of friction between slabs and the ground. The model was used to perform parametric studies on curling and thermal expansion stresses, to study the effect of superposition of both stresses, and to address the effect of uniform temperature changes on joint opening. Another simpler model employing nine layers across the depth of a pavement slab was used to introduce the effects of nonlinear temperature distribution.