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THE USE OF PLASTIC PAVEMENT SKIRTS TO ELIMINATE PAVEMENT EDGE CRACKING

During the summers of 1971 and 1972, test sections were established on two resurfacing contracts and one reconstruction project in Simcoe and Huron Counties. For the resurfacing work, the experiments involved draping strips of polyethylene sheeting or "skirts" over the edge of the driving surface. On the new construction project the skirts were laid directly on the grade. The intent of the test sections was to determine if moisture draining from the pavement could be prevented from entering the base by deflecting the flow towards the ditchline. Monitoring the test and control sections during subsequent years involved determining net transverse pavement heave over the winters, frost depth penetrations and pavement stabilities. Analysis of field data derived from the two resurfacing projects shows tht no significant edge-of-pavement cracking has taken place in the skirted areas although cracking has re-appeared in or adjacent to control sections where no skirts were used. Pavement heave has been reduced significantly in the skirted areas, especially on Highway 89. In general, it appears that the skirts marginally helped to increase the stability of the pavement structure during spring break-up although they had little effect on the depth of frost penetration. On the reconstruction project, the rapid deterioration of the new pavement suggests a possible deficiency in the strength of the overall pavement structure. Consequently, in this case, the performance of the skirts is rather inconclusive. Monitoring of test sections on an earlier project where partially paved shoulders were constructed revealed that the performance of the pavement was very similar to that of the successful plastic skirt installations. Pavement heaving was reduced overall. any excessive vertical movement which did occur was shifted laterally from the critical wheel path area to the outer edge of the paved shoulder. Consequently, as a result of the performance of the partially paved shoulders and a revised Ministry policy on paved shoulders, no further plastic skirt installations will be carried out. (Author)

  • Corporate Authors:

    Ontario Ministry of Transportation & Communic, Can

    1201 Wilson Avenue
    Downsview, Ontario M3M 1J8,   Canada 
  • Authors:
    • MacMaster, J B
  • Publication Date: 1979-3

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 39 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00335495
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Rpt. EM-25
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Sep 16 1981 12:00AM