Cost-Effective Base Type and Thickness for Long-Life Concrete Pavements

Pavement base layer quality is vital for long term performance. Low stiffness and shear strength can result in loss of support and increased tensile stresses under loads. To maintain uniform support under concrete pavements and ensure satisfactory performance, a stable, non-erodible, drainable base layer is necessary. The primary objective of this report is to quantify the aggregate base properties required for concrete pavement foundations in accordance with currently established layer thickness requirements. The effects of properties of different base layers on concrete pavement performance were evaluated, based on the mechanical and hydraulic properties of typical base materials collected from previous Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) studies and relevant literature. Field measured environmental data from the MnROAD test facility was collected and used for calibration purposes. The effects of environmental conditions on long-term concrete pavement performance were evaluated accordingly. Data from the LTPP SPS-2 study and MnROAD test cells were analyzed to evaluate the effects of design and site factors on performance. Improved aggregate classes were established, considering gradation, aggregate shape properties and drainage characteristics. Field test data were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of open-graded aggregate bases in providing structural stability. The analytical gradation analysis and the discrete element modeling approach for engineering aggregate shape and gradation were used to predict field performance. The findings from the study were synthesized to recommend revisions for performance-related specifications for aggregate bases supporting concrete pavements. The results would ideally help design cost effective base types and thicknesses suitable for both concrete and asphalt pavements.

• Record URL:
  http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TS/2015/201542.pdf
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TS/2015/201542TS.pdf
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  205 North Mathews Avenue
  Urbana, IL  United States  61801-2352

  Minnesota State University, Mankato

  Department of Civil & Mechanical Engineering
  Mankato, MN  United States 

  Minnesota Department of Transportation

  Research Services and Library
  395 John Ireland Boulevard
  St Paul, MN  United States  55155
• Authors:
  • Tutumluer, Erol
  • Xiao, Yuanjie
  • Wilde, W James
• Publication Date: 2015-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 212p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregate gradation; Base course (Pavements); Concrete pavements; Cost effectiveness; Drainage; Field tests; Pavement design; Pavement performance; Thickness
• Geographic Terms: Minnesota
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Materials; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I32: Concrete; I36: Aggregates;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01575109
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MN/RC 2015-42
• Contract Numbers: (c) 89260 and 98110
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 2015 9:10AM