Mechanistic Evaluation of Spalling Distress

In this paper, delamination formation is investigated. Stresses due to temperature and moisture variation are considered within the scope of the formation of the delamination. Tensile and shear stresses are determined numerically based on finite element analysis using simulated pavement moisture data. A finite element program is developed to allow for a variety of input of temperature and moisture values across the slab thickness. When the stresses are found to be sufficiently large to form the delaminations, a fracture mechanics analysis of the crack evolution can be performed as indicated in Soares (1997).