Variation of Crack Width over Time in Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement

The primary objective of this paper is to present the findings of field studies that investigated variations in crack widths over time in three continuously reinforced concrete pavement projects in Texas. Also presented are crack width variations through the slab depth. Vibrating wire gauges were installed at three slab depths—top, middle, and bottom—during concrete placement. Transverse cracks were induced at the locations of the gauges, and concrete strains were measured. The ages of the projects varied from 11 months to 2 years, 10 months. Significant variations existed in crack widths along the slab depth. Crack widths were largest at the top and smallest at the bottom. In the test sections of this study, crack widths at the middepth were about three-quarters of those at the top. Crack widths at the top and middepth were a direct function of temperature variations in the concrete at those depths. However, there was a poor correlation between concrete temperatures and crack widths at the bottom. There was clear evidence that moisture variations in concrete have substantial effects on concrete volume changes and crack widths. An immediate decrease in crack widths was observed after rains. Crack widths decreased over time within the time frame of this study. This finding is not consistent with the current theory on crack width variations over time, and further study is currently under way at the University of Texas at Austin to identify the causes. The findings will be reported as they become available.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/2037-01
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Variation+of+Crack+Width+over+Time+in+Continuously+Reinforced+Concrete+Pavement&author=J.+Nam&author=D.+Kim&author=S.+Choi&author=M.+Won&publication_year=2007
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Public/Blurbs/156836.aspx
• Authors:
  • Nam, Jeong-Hee
  • Kim, Dong-Ho
  • Choi, Seongcheol
  • Won, Moon C
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 3-11
• Monograph Title: Rigid and Flexible Pavement Design 2007
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2037
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Continuously reinforced concrete pavements; Moisture content; Pavement cracking; Pavement design; Pavement performance; Transverse cracking
• Uncontrolled Terms: Crack width; Temperature variation; Vibrating wire gages
• Geographic Terms: Texas
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01044011
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309113014
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 8 2007 4:35PM