journal article·2026-02-14Open access

Prefabricated Integrated Anchorage Device and Continuous Tensioning Construction for Heterotrophic Prestressed Concrete Pavement

Hui Chen, Jing Yang, Mengyuan Zeng, Yu Jiang, Jichao Xu

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 4

Abstract

This study focuses on a critical issue in Heterotrophic Prestressed Concrete Pavement (HPCP), the closure pour, which is prone to weak interfacial bonding, stress concentration, and cracking under repeated aircraft loads. To overcome these shortcomings, a novel prefabricated integrated anchorage (PIA) device is designed, integrating the functions of both a tensioning end and an anchoring end. Based on the PIA, a continuous tensioning construction process is introduced, which eliminates the traditional closure pour by utilizing the casting space of the subsequent slab to tension the preceding one. Finite element analysis demonstrates that the PIA device exhibits complex stress alternation under prestressing, with the most critical cross sections located at depths of 100 to 150 mm. A parametric study further reveals a linear relationship between the tension angle and the maximum principal stress in the PIA. In the HPCP system, prestressing establishes a predominant compressive stress field in the slab, effectively enhancing crack resistance. However, localized stress concentration and tension–compression alternation occur not only around the PIAs but also notably at the slab corners. These results confirm that the PIA device and its associated continuous construction method not only overcome the drawbacks of closure pours but also provide an innovative, efficient, and sustainable technical pathway for improving the quality and performance of airfield pavement engineering.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Concrete Properties and Behavior · Asphalt Pavement Performance Evaluation · Concrete and Cement Materials Research

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Urban Rail Transportation, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China

The Key Laboratory of Road and Traffic Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China

Funding

Shanghai Pujiang Program · Key Laboratory of Infrastructure Durability and Operation Safety in Airfield of CAAC

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