Roughness trends of jointed concrete pavements: analysis of data from the LTPP GPS-3 experiment

Under the GPS-3 experiment of the Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program, the performance of jointed plain concrete pavements is being studied. The time-sequence International Roughness Index (IRI) values at these sections were studied to analyze roughness progression at these sections. These results show that from a roughness standpoint there is a clear difference in performance between doweled and non-doweled pavements in the wet zones. No relationship between IRI and total faulting was observed for the doweled pavements. The magnitude of curvature that was seen for concrete slabs in the doweled pavements was much less than the values seen for non-doweled pavements. The primary reason for providing dowels in concrete pavements is to provide load transfer on pavements that are subjected to truck traffic. However, the results of this analysis indicate dowels do provide a restraint against slab curvature. This restraining effect can result in better pavement performance by minimizing pavement distresses that can occur in a slab that has excessive amounts of curvature (e.g., mid slab cracking and faulting). Therefore, irrespective of the amount of truck traffic it appears that dowels may be beneficial to a pavement by providing restraint against slab curling.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Pagination: 13p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01389568
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • Files: ITRD, ATRI
  • Created Date: Aug 23 2012 3:35AM