Determination of expansion joint spacing of jointed plain concrete pavements considering weather conditions and material properties

Blow-ups frequently occur in jointed plain concrete pavements due to climate change and unusual weather conditions. This study proposes optimal expansion joint spacings for new concrete pavements in Korea, considering slab thickness, regional temperature and humidity, and concrete properties such as thermal expansion, drying shrinkage, and alkali–silica reactions (ASR). Total strain was calculated by combining strains from temperature changes, shrinkage, and ASR, and an equivalent temperature change was derived. Finite element analysis identified a safe reference temperature change for blow-up prevention. Expansion joint spacings satisfying this reference were estimated for various regions and compared with Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC) standards. Results showed narrower spacing requirements in western Korea, where blow-ups are frequent. However, limitations emerged in metropolitan areas, likely due to reduced pavement stiffness from frequent distress and repairs caused by heavy traffic. Future models should incorporate distress severity, traffic volume, and variable coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) to improve accuracy and better manage blow-up risk.