Zbigniew Mikulski
Czasopismo Techniczne, Budownictwo Zeszyt 2-B (12) 2015, 2015, s. 281 - 290
https://doi.org/10.4467/2353737XCT.15.137.4174Large displacements caused by temperature loads are a significant problem in the design and operation of concrete tram surfaces. There is frequently observed damage to expansion joints between slabs induced by high displacements as well as aging processes. As a result, water penetrates through cracked expansion joints causing structural degradation. Tests performed in situ indicate that polymer flexible joints may be used as concrete slab connections in concrete tram surfaces. Besides sealing, this technology allows transferring loads within large deformation states, additionally, rotation angles of slab edges are decreased, reducing the risk of damage to connections. This work analyzes the structural behaviour of a section of a tram surface connected by polymer flexible joint technology. A FEM numerical model in was constructed in Abaqus 6.12 with the analysis of thermal loads. This paper presents the analysis of deformation and stress distribution in structural elements, in cases of different constructional variants; the results are presented and conclusions are drawn.