This paper is focused on the analysis of concrete pavements using finite element method (FEM). Specifically, it deals with the analysis of temperatures in the initial phasis of hardening and their influence on mechanical behavior of concrete pavement. High temperatures from hydration and climatic conditions in the early phase of concrete hardening co-operate and may initiate the formation of a network of micro-cracks on the surface of the concrete slab. The resulting temperatures (from hydration and climate) can theoretically be positively influenced by determining the start of concreting, so that the maximum temperatures do not meet at the same time. However, from a practical point of view the use of retarders is more realistic. Another possibility is to reduce the hydration heat by changing the composition of the concrete mixture (amount of cement, type of cement, use of alternative binders). Based on the knowledge of the material composition of the concrete and the specific temperature behavior during the concrete laying, it will be possible to predict the durability of concrete pavement in the future. Using weak formulation FEM model with quadratic base functions, the 2D heat transfer model was created. Boundary conditions were determined from experimental measurement on highway D1 in the Czech Republic. When this model was fitted to experimental data, the 3D coupled thermo - mechanical model was created. Soil and concrete elastic material characteristics had been taken over from Czech technical norms. Soil was modelled as Winkler-Pasternak 2D plate. Parameters c1 a c2 were assessed from comparison with 3D model with soil modelled as multiple layer system.

Pavement; Concrete; Modelling; FEM; Hydration heat