Research on Early-Age Cracking Mechanisms and Control Factors in Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements

Abstract

Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) has been widely adopted internationally due to its superior crack resistance and lower maintenance costs. However, research into the early-age cracking mechanisms and control factors of CRCP still presents numerous challenges, such as insufficient studies on crack formation and development patterns, the bond-slip relationship between steel bars and concrete, and the characteristics of interlayer friction.This paper systematically analyzes the influence of reinforcement ratio, reinforcement arrangement, concrete age, and interlayer bonding conditions on early-age cracking of CRCP through axial tensile tests and interlayer friction push-out tests. Furthermore, it establishes a mechanical model based on the Winkler foundation assumption to investigate the crack formation mechanism and load stress distribution patterns. The research indicates that different reinforcement ratios and arrangements significantly affect crack width and stress distribution, while interlayer friction is collaboratively composed of bonding force, bearing capacity, and shear force, which determines the overall mechanical performance of the pavement slab. The relevant research provides theoretical basis and practical guidance for optimizing CRCP design and construction.