Effects of Cold Longitudinal Joint Geometry and Roller Position on Initial Compaction in Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) Pavements: A 2D Full-Scale Finite Element Study
International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s42947-026-00917-0
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Compendex, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), East & South Asia Database (ProQuest), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Cold longitudinal joints, Finite element modeling, Initial roller position, Pavement-roller interaction, RCC pavements, Roller compaction, Roller-compacted concrete (RCC)
- Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Cold joints are practically unavoidable in roller-compacted concrete (RCC) pavements because of paving logistics, lane sequencing, and construction interruptions. Nevertheless, guidance on compacting cold longitudinal joints remains scarce, and the mechanics governing their compaction response are still poorly understood. In particular, a fundamental explanation for why some RCC cold-joint configurations compact better than others is lacking. In this study, the effects of cold-joint geometry and roller standoff position on initial compaction were systematically investigated using full-scale, two-dimensional finite-element simulations. Thirty pavement models with cold joints were analyzed, with one fresh-joint control. Static drum loading was modeled under a plane-strain assumption. Five initial roller offsets relative to the joint edge were tested at 0, ± 150, and ± 300 mm. Six cold-joint configurations were compared with a fresh-joint control. These included one vertical joint at 90°, three tapered joints at 60°, 45°, and 30°, and single- and double-notched wedge joints, N1 and N2. Initial roller position was the most important factor, followed by joint geometry. Deformation ranking was 90° > 60° > N2 > N1 > 45° > 30°. Steeper tapers produced greater deformation. Shallow tapers performed poorly. The best compaction response occurred when the drum overlapped the hardened lane by 150–300 mm. Drum-edge alignment with the joint produced the second-best response, whereas positions fully on the fresh side produced the poorest. Notched wedges resisted the compactive forces and led to uneven deformation. While compactive effort was kept constant, roller position and joint geometry interacted and together governed the near-joint compaction response.