REFLECTION CRACKING IN BITUMINOUS OVERLAYS ON RIGID PAVEMENTS

For the past 20 years, New York has investigated methods to retard reflection cracking in bituminous overlays on rigid pavements. Those actually tried had all been previously reported successful by other agencies. Unfortunately, only a few were successful here and the results provided two reasons for this discrepancy, both of which were resolved during the work. One is that crack initiation is due solely to horizontal movement, and the other that slab length and temperature change, generally not reported elsewhere, are important considerations in reflection cracking. Once these were considered in analyses, lack of consistency or complete ineffectiveness demonstrated by several methods became explainable. Methods investigated included 1) reinforcing the overlay, 2) spreading bond-breakers on the concrete or breaking and seating the concrete before overlaying, 3) sawing and sealing the overlay above the transverse joint, and 4) constructing thicker overlays. Two--reinforcement with either wire mesh or fabric, and thicker overlays--occasionally retarded the cracking. However, lack of consistent results along with increased cost, construction problems, and necessary peripheral work ruled them out. Bondbreakers were ineffective and can lead to other problems. On the other hand, sawing and sealing joints in the overlay, and breaking and seating the concrete pavement before overlaying both proved effective. Properly designed and constructed, either offers a solution to the widespread occurrence of deterioration in bituminous resurfacings over transverse joints in rigid pavements. (FHWA)

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Prepaid in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, Study title: Bituminous Resurfacings on Rigid Pavements.
  • Corporate Authors:

    New York State Department of Transportation

    Engineering Research and Development Bureau, 1220 Washington Avenue
    Albany, NY  United States  12232

    Federal Highway Administration

    Office of Research and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Vyce, J M
  • Publication Date: 1983-10

Media Info

  • Pagination: 33 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00392214
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-NY-RR 109 Final Rpt., FCP 45D2-124
  • Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Feb 28 2003 12:00AM