EVALUATION OF PREMATURE PCC PAVEMENT LONGITUDINAL CRACKING IN COLORADO

In this study, several portland cement concrete pavements in Colorado with premature longitudinal cracking are evaluated. An overview of the causes of premature longitudinal cracking, description of field and laboratory investigations and a list of strategies to eliminate such occurrences are included. Findings showed that the shallow depth of the longitudinal saw-cuts at the shoulder joint were a primary cause of longitudinal cracking. Malfunctioning paver vibrators and unsuitable soils contributed to the problem. There were some isolated cases of differential settlements related to the high swell potential of the subgrade soil and/or poor subgrade compaction. Wider slab design did not appear to be a contributing factor to the problem. To alleviate these problems, it is recommended that project engineers in the field measure saw-cut depth at intervals of 1 per 1/10 of a mile to make sure they comply with the Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT's) depth specifications. It is also recommended that paving contractors equip their paving machines with vibrator frequency monitoring devices. These recommendations are being incorporated into CDOT's specifications. It is also suggested that the accurate recognition and prediction of potential volume changes of expansive soils and their treatment prior to construction plays an important role in pavement performance and longevity.

• Record URL:
  http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/pubs/midcon2003/ArdaniCracking.pdf
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0965231062
• Corporate Authors:

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Center for Transportation Research and Education
  2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700
  Ames, IA  United States  50010-8664
• Authors:
  • Ardani, A
  • Hussain, S
  • LaForce, R
• Conference:
  • Mid-Continent Transportation Research Symposium
  • Location: Ames, Iowa
  • Date: 2003-8-21 to 2003-8-22
• Publication Date: 2003

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 9p
• Monograph Title: MID-CONTINENT TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM (AMES, IOWA, AUGUST 21-22, 2003). PROCEEDINGS

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete pavements; Cutting; Depth; Differential settlement; Field studies; Laboratory studies; Longitudinal cracking; Monitoring; Pavement design; Pavement joints; Pavement performance; Pavers; Portland cement concrete; Sawing; Service life; Soil compaction; Specifications; Subgrade (Pavements); Swelling; Vibration; Vibratory equipment
• Identifier Terms: Colorado Department of Transportation
• Geographic Terms: Colorado
• Subject Areas: Construction; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Pavements; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00963386
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0965231062
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 1 2003 12:00AM