ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF RIGID PAVEMENT USING KENPAVE AND IRC 37

Abstract

The project “Analysis and Design of Rigid Pavement Using KENPAVE and IRC 58 Methods” focuses on the structural analysis and design of concrete pavement subjected to repeated traffic loading. Rigid pavement mainly consists of a cement concrete slab supported by a base or sub-base layer and subgrade. Proper design is essential to ensure that the pavement can withstand wheel loads, temperature variations, and environmental effects throughout its design life. The study follows the design principles of IRC 58 and uses KENPAVE software to evaluate the structural response of the pavement. The design process considers important parameters such as design traffic, axle load distribution, concrete strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, slab thickness, subgrade characteristics, and environmental conditions. IRC 58 is used to determine a suitable pavement configuration and the required slab thickness. KENPAVE is then used to perform analytical evaluation of the pavement structure and determine critical stresses, strains, and deflections under different loading conditions. The analysis mainly evaluates critical responses such as wheel-load stress, temperature-induced stress, combined stress, and slab deflection. These results are compared with the permissible design criteria to check the structural adequacy of the pavement. Different slab thicknesses and loading conditions can be studied to identify a safe and economical pavement design. The software-based approach also helps reduce repetitive calculations and provides a better understanding of rigid pavement behavior. Overall, the project demonstrates the application of KENPAVE and IRC 58 methods for the analysis and design of rigid pavements. The study provides a systematic approach for determining suitable concrete slab thickness and evaluating pavement performance under traffic and environmental loading. The final design aims to provide adequate strength, durability, serviceability, and reliability for the expected traffic conditions.