PAVEMENT CRACKING IN WEST TEXAS DUE TO FREEZE-THAW CYCLING

Freeze-thaw contraction of the base course material used in west Texas is considered an important element in pavement deterioration. Samples from two compactive efforts were frozen in a biaxial closed system. Suction and temperature within the samples were monitored and volume changes after each freeze-thaw period were recorded. Coefficients of thermal activity were calculated from the dimension measurements. These coefficients showed a relationship with the as-compacted total soil moisture suction, which was similar for all materials. Finite element studies of the thermal strains that develop in a typical pavement showed that the thermally induced tensile stresses in the base course are far in excess of typical tensile strengths for initially intact pavements. The surface course did not develop excessive stress levels. Freeze-thaw cycling produced plastic deformations in all samples, and the permanent expansion or contraction was related to the as-compacted total soil moisture suction. These permanent deformations from freeze-thaw cycling imparted a residual tensile stress to the asphalt concrete. During a freeze, suction in the sample showed a marked increase, often 10 to 20 times the initial value. The suction then dropped below the initial value during the thaw cycle. This drop was consistent regardless of the thermal activity of plastic deformation. This indicated a reorganization of the moisture in the sample, which may be related to strength losses caused by freeze-thaw cycling. The data in this study give new insight into the mechanism of freeze-thaw in pavement deterioration.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1975/532/532-001.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=PAVEMENT+CRACKING+IN+WEST+TEXAS+DUE+TO+FREEZE-THAW+CYCLING&author=S.+Carpenter&author=R.+Lytton&author=J.+Epps&publication_year=1975
• Availability:
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• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Frost Action. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

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• Authors:
  • Carpenter, Samuel H
  • Lytton, Robert L
  • Epps, Jon A
• Conference:
  • 54th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board
  • Location: Washington District of Columbia
  • Date: 1975-1-13 to 1975-1-17
• Publication Date: 1975

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 1-13
• Monograph Title: FROST, MOISTURE, AND EROSION
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 532
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt concrete; Contraction; Finite element method; Freeze thaw durability; Pavement base course; Pavement cracking; Plastic deformation; Soil suction; Soil water; Tension; Thermal expansion; Thermal stresses
• Uncontrolled Terms: Tensile stress
• Old TRIS Terms: Freezing thawing effects
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00099650
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309023807
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Nov 5 1975 12:00AM