Performance evaluation and cost optimisation of short panel concrete pavements as an alternative to traditional jointed plain concrete pavement

This study evaluates the structural and economic performance of short panel concrete pavement (SPCP) compared with conventional jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP, 4.5 m x 3.5 m). Reducing slab thickness lowers construction cost but increases flexural stress and deflection in standard JPCP. Therefore, this research investigates the effect of reducing panel dimensions, defining such configurations as SPCP. Square panels ranging from 500 mm to 1500 mm with thicknesses between 50 mm and 200 mm were analysed under combined wheel and temperature loading using a three-dimensional finite element model. Flexural stress, deflection, load transfer efficiency (LTE), and lifecycle cost were evaluated for subgrade strengths from 40 to 300 MPa/m. The results indicate that a 1000 mm x 1000 mm panel with a thickness of 175 mm provides an optimal balance between structural performance and cost, achieving approximately 20% cost savings compared to standard JPCP.