Development of a Computer Program for Rigid Pavement Slab Thickness Design

Abstract

This paper focused on building a VBasic computer program for Concrete Pavement thickness Design coded as (CONPVD-93). This thickness design utility solves the 1993 AASHTO Guide basic design equation for rigid pavements. It also supplies some basic information on variable descriptions, typical values and equation precautions. CONPVD present both a direct and detailed thickness design process .In detailed mode the step- by- step calculations can be seen in CONPVD desing process.Three options for calculating the predicted ESAL applications namely direct,axle load equivalency facter ALEF-based ,and truck factor TF- based calculations, were presented.To account the composite K- modulus for the presence of rigid footing, a new model has been developed in this study. Seasonal effect was adopted in computing the effective modulus of subgrade reactions. The effect of different values for proposed slab thickness on the final results has been thoroughly studied also. CONPVD has proven very useful as an effective educational tool as well as a powerful design tool.