Abstract:
Concrete Block Paving (CBP), which is a predominant construction method used nowadays, is based
on the ancient road construction technology “Stone Paving”. The use of CBP is a common sight in
most of the developing countries due to its economic adaptability. Although it has emerged as a costeffective
paving material, it is yet being developed as a full-fledged construction technique. The aim
of this research was to develop a finite element model for CBP and evaluate the deflections in
pavement with the application of loads. A three-dimensional finite element model was built to
measure the elastic deflection basin with ANSYS finite element modelling software. The reason for
developing a finite element model is, as the construction of concrete block pavements for
experimenting is costly and challenging, a finite element model simulating the field conditions could
be used to overcome these issues and perform further research. Previously developed finite element
models and laboratory models were studied. The results obtained from the developed finite element
model were verified with the deflection values obtained in a laboratory scaled model. Similar
deflection basins could be observed for different load cases. Further studies on the finite element
model could be carried out to observe the effect on the deflection of a concrete block pavement with
respect to the variation of the block shape.
