REDUCTION OF REFLECTIVE CRACKING IN ASPHALTIC CONCRETE OVERLAYS OF RIGID PAVEMENT-FINAL REPORT

This report evaluates the use of construction fabrics by the State of Wisconsin to reduce or prevent reflective cracking of asphaltic concrete overlays over existing jointed Portland cement concrete pavement. The test area consisted of eleven sections. Four of these sections were designated to receive the fabrics logitudinally in a full width format. Three sections were to have the fabrics applied as strips over the joints. The remaining four sections were designated as Control Sections for comparison with the fabric bearing sections. Hairline reflective cracks appeared within two months of construction, with all sections experiencing cracks of varying width and length one year after construction and extensive cracking of all sections within two years. Transverse joints reflected through in all sections with no product showing significantly better performance than commparable Control Sections. After six years of observation, it is concluded that none of the six fabrics used has the ability to significantly reduce reflective cracking in an asphaltic concrete overlay over an existing PCC slab pavement. Laboratory testing of field cores established a probability of waterproofing capability imparted to the overlay structure by the asphalt impregnated fabrics. It is recommended that the use of construction fabrics not be considered for use with asphaltic concrete overlays placed over existing PCC slab pavements, as a means of reducing reflective cracking. (Author) (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Division of Highways and Transportation Facilities
  Madison, WI  United States  53707

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Ruthowski, T S
• Publication Date: 1985-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 74 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bituminous overlays; Portland cement concrete; Reduction (Chemistry); Reflection cracking
• Old TRIS Terms: Reduction
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00450111
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-WI-85-01
• Contract Numbers: PR-0010(22)
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 27 2004 8:56PM