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https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27432/critical-issues-in-transportation-for-2024-and-beyond

Investigation of Joint Deterioration in MnROAD Phase 1: Jointed Concrete Pavement Test Sections

A comprehensive forensic investigation was conducted at MnROAD in 2008. This investigation focused principally on joint performance, as little panel cracking had occurred. The most interesting observation was a unique distress phenomenon in the transverse joints. This distress occurred where jointed concrete pavements were built on undrained gravel bases. Cores showed that a significant amount of concrete material was missing from the middle section of the joint, with the area of greatest distress just below the saw cut, approximately at mid-depth. To determine whether this distress was unique to MnROAD test sections, six other Minnesota concrete pavement projects, of similar age and materials, were examined. While similar types of distress were found, the extent of the damage was not as severe. This may be due to much less traffic loadings being applied to those sections compared to MnROAD. In all cases, though, sections with base layers that adequately drained water within the joints performed significantly better. A discussion of the potential causes of the distress revealed that it is likely a combination of freeze/thaw damage and erosion due to fast-traveling trucks ultimately caused the distress. Findings show: for High Volume Traffic (1) Undrained portland cement concrete (PCC) on Class 5 base has resulted in significant joint distress (regardless of seal condition), (2) Drained PCC on Class 5 base with edge drains and well sealed joints performed better than undrained PCC, and (3) The combination of drainable base layers and edge drains worked best; and for Low Volume Traffic (1) Undrained PCC on Class 5 base with well sealed joints performed excellently; and (2) Undrained PCC on Class 5 base with poorly sealed joints exhibits significant distress.

  • Record URL:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Minnesota Department of Transportation

    Office of Materials, 1400 Gervais Avenue
    Maplewood, MN  United States  55109

    Minnesota Department of Transportation

    Research Services Section, 395 John Ireland Boulevard, Mail Stop 330
    St Paul, MN  United States  55155
  • Authors:
    • Rohne, Ryan J
    • Burnham, Tom
  • Publication Date: 2010-4

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Web
  • Edition: Final Report
  • Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 31p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01444925
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: MN/RC 2010-18
  • Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Sep 4 2012 4:00PM