GATE CE 2026 Set 2 — Question 45

MSQ+2 / -0MediumTemperature StressesPavement DesignTransportation EngineeringWheel Load Stresses

Transportation Engineering → Pavement Design → Temperature Stresses

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Which of the following statements is/are TRUE with respect to the type of stresses to be considered for the design of rigid pavements?

Correct answer (A) Warping stress due to temperature differential between the top and bottom of the pavement slab as a result of daily variation in temperature; (B) Frictional stress due to the overall increase or decrease in temperature of the pavement slab as a result of seasonal variation in temperature Solution In rigid pavement design, temperature-induced stresses are critical: Warping Stresses (A): These occur due to the temperature gradient between the top and bottom of the slab, which changes throughout the day (daily variation). Statement A is TRUE. Frictional Stresses (B): These occur when the entire slab expands or contracts due to seasonal temperature changes, and the movement is resisted by the subgrade friction. Statement B is TRUE. Critical Stress (C & D): The critical stress is determined by finding the worst-case combination (summation) of wheel load stress and temperature stresses at a specific location (edge or corner) during a specific time (day or night). It is not the maximum of individual stresses, nor is it the sum of stresses from different locations (edge, interior, and corner). Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (A) Warping stress due to temperature differential between the top and bottom of the pavement slab as a result of daily variation in temperature; (B) Frictional stress due to the overall increase or decrease in temperature of the pavement slab as a result of seasonal variation in temperature Solution In rigid pavement design, temperature-induced stresses are critical: Warping Stresses (A): These occur due to the temperature gradient between the top and bottom of the slab, which changes throughout the day (daily variation). Statement A is TRUE. Frictional Stresses (B): These occur when the entire slab expands or contracts due to seasonal temperature changes, and the movement is resisted by the subgrade friction. Statement B is TRUE. Critical Stress (C & D): The critical stress is determined by finding the worst-case combination (summation) of wheel load stress and temperature stresses at a specific location (edge or corner) during a specific time (day or night). It is not the maximum of individual stresses, nor is it the sum of stresses from different locations (edge, interior, and corner).

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