Three-slab model for concrete pavements

This paper derives an analytical solution for a three-slab system resting o n a Pasternak foundation. Joint transfer between slabs is considered in the analysis. The basic equations are based on Reissner's thick-plate theory, and modified to include the Pasternak foundation model. The transverse shea r deformation in the slabs and the transverse connection in the foundation are considered in the three-thick-plate model. The solution of the three-th ick-plate system are arrived at by considering the solutions of three eleme ntal plates, one with four "guided support" edges and two with two "guided support" edges and two free edges. For each slab of the three-slab system, its solution is obtained by superposing the solutions of appropriate elemen tal plates. The central slab can be represented by superposing three elemen tal thick plates, while the two-edge slabs by four-elemental-thick plates e ach. The derived solutions were verified using numerical examples against s olutions by finite-element methods.