Design of ports and interports high durability rigid pavements

The application of severe loads on stocking areas pavements sometimes brings to the onset of stresses which are unforeseen at the design stage. These unexpected tensions can jeopardise the life cycle of the structure and, to certain extents, give origin to cracks which, if not promptly faced, might cause the loss of the mechanical characteristics of the superstructure. Inasmuch this is a pivotal aspect in road design, in this paper the Authors tackled the theme of the dimensioning of rigid pavements for stocking areas. This aspect, faced through the finite element analysis, considers the application of severe loads belonging to different kinds of containers, along with the stresses generated by the straddle carrier, which is the equipment for the movement and the handling of such heavy and cumbersome elements. The analysis of the different loading areas showed that the wheeled vehicle is responsible, during the handling manoeuvres, for the highest stresses in the structure. Having found this, the Authors dimensioned the different concrete pavements, considering several load conditions and defining the solution which is the best cost-performance compromise, with respect to both durability and mechanical performances required. From this standpoint, eventually, the use of steel fibres to enhance the mechanical performances of the pavements was taken into account.