PERPETUAL PAVEMENTS AND PYRAMIDS HAVE A LOT IN COMMON : BOTH NEED A PERPETUAL FOUNDATION

This article discusses the importance of foundations in the construction and performance of perpetual pavements. A stable working platform and a consistent roadbed preclude the distresses that originate deep in the pavement structure. The article describes a number of tools and techniques to test soils and base materials in place and assess their adequacy as foundations. A Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) effort has developed a method that most agencies can use to decide if an existing pavement can be used as a Perpetual Pavement. The Illinois Department of Transportation has a Subgrade Stability Manual. Another way to test is proof rolling, which is a sure way to detect weak spots. Upper pavement layers can be tested through deflection measurements and coring, especially in the case of surface cracks.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • March/April 2003
• Authors:
  • Newcomb, D
• Publication Date: 2003-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 35-38
• Serial:
  • HMAT: Hot Mix Asphalt Technology
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Coefficient of subgrade reaction; Deflection tests; Foundations; Perpetual pavements; Soil stabilization; Subgrade (Pavements); Testing
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00941553
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: May 1 2003 12:00AM