A laboratory model study of an anchored pavement is described. The objective of the study was to investigate construction problems and development of speci· fications for a full-scale test. Also, the model tests could be and have been used to verify the analytical model. The model pavement involved 1/20· scale anchored and conventional slabs of similar dimensions and made of aluminum, a subgrade of known properties, a container tank for the whole setup, and loading and measuring equipment. In addition, one set of tests was performed by using the anchored slab in such a way that it is not in contact with the subgrade. The open space (void) between the slab and the subgrade simulates the worst conditions of no support caused by high moisture in the subgrade due to thaw or other actions. The model test results were compared with results from finite-element analysis. The investigations confirm that an anchored slab offers distinct advantages over a conventional slab; for example, the deflections are lower and uni· form compared with those from a conventional slab, and stresses in the soil are reduced and distributed more widely by rigid anchors. The ANSYS computer program can analyze such a soil-structure system and incorporate the environmental and mechanical effects.

Serious concern about the maintenance costs and agonizing delays in repairs of highways in highly urban areas raised the question of the feasibility of designing and constructing minimum-maintenance pavements. As a result of research sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, several structural concepts have been proposed CJ) for minimum-maintenance performance. These include pile support, edge stiffening, thick cellular systems, waffle-type systems, modified conventional systems, and a flex-