A new structure for continuously reinforced concrete pavement with road performance evaluation. (30th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Sheng; Yang, Fan; Liu, Zhaohui
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 157(2017)
• Page Start: 1047
• Page End: 1052
• Publication Date: 2017-12-30
• Subjects: Road engineering -- Continuously reinforced concrete pavement -- Anti-erosion layer -- Induced transverse joints -- Pavement performance; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.09.087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: We developed a new CRCP structure using a RCC basic course, a gravel cushion, and a cement concrete surface layer. In addition, an asphalt concrete overlay is inserted between the base and surface to prevent scouring. Continuous longitudinal and transverse steel and sliding supports are placed in traffic lanes and inside half the width of the hard shoulder. There is an angle of 30–60° between the transverse and longitudinal steel supports, which are treated with epoxy coating. Based on fracture mechanics, damage mechanics and numerical simulations, the results show that its fatigue-damage lifetime is substantially increased, while the amount of crack propagation is greatly reduced. The new CRCP structure is economical compared with the fiber-polymer steel used in recent years and provides an obvious reduction in construction costs. Abstract: Due to the failure characteristics and imperfections of existing continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), a new CRCP structure is developed. The base course uses roller compacted concrete (RCC) over a gravel cushion. The surface layer is divided into two layers, where the upper layer is rubberized cement concrete, and the second layer is continuously reinforced concrete. An asphalt concrete layer is inserted between the base layer and the surface layer to act as an anti-scouring agent. Continuous longitudinal and transverse steel and sliding supports are placed on traffic lanes and inside half the width of the hard shoulder, the other half of the width being plain concrete. Using concepts from fracture mechanics, damage mechanics and numerical simulations, a study has been conducted to ascertain the damage and fracture of the asphalt overlay in the new structure. The results show that the fatigue damage lifetime of the overlay is substantially increased, while the crack propagation is greatly reduced. The new CRCP was successfully applied to a civil road engineering project and was shown to provide a notable economic benefit. Moreover, the new design can provide a theoretical basis for continuously reinforced concrete pavement and a useful reference for Chinese road development.