Field study to evaluate Built-in temperature differential (BITD) at interior load position through concrete blocks
Abstract
Warping behavior of the rigid pavement is a well-known phenomenon and its root cause is daily variation
in temperature at different regions of the concrete slab. Indian Road Congress (IRC) has recommended
temperature differentials state wise, but due to variation in air temperature in different
regions within the state the temperature differentials are likely to vary in different locations within
the regions. This may have a major impact on the design thickness of pavements. In a bid to study
Built-In Temperature Differential (BITD) a pavement quality concrete block of 20 cm, 25 cm and 30 cm
thickness is constructed in the Udaipur region and compared with the IRC:58-2015 specifications.
Block experienced a wide variation in the temperature distribution across the depth as rainfall water falling
on the top surface is controlling the surface temperature. Temperature differential reported in the
area under the study is substantially lesser than the value recommended in the IRC-58:2015 irrespective
of block thickness hence, temperature differential needs to be given due consideration in the local region.