Texas Tech University

Project 5-9045

Just in Time Technology Transfer for Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Construction and Rehabilitation

Abstract

As of 2010, the total lane mileage of CRCP in Texas accounts for about 5.4 percent of total lane mileage. On the other hand, CRCP carries about 25 percent of total traffic. It is quite important to TxDOT and the State to keep CRCP in good condition. In-depth evaluations of CRCP condition in Texas reveal that the overall condition of CRCP is excellent, with actual performance exceeding intended design lives twice or three times in some projects. On the other hand, distresses do occur in CRCP. TxDOT's "Rigid Pavement Database" research study evaluated the distresses in CRCP, and discovered that most of the distresses were not due to the structural deficiency of the pavement system; rather, they were due to the quality issues in materials and construction. Enhancing the quality of materials and construction operations of CRCP is the most cost-effective way to improve performance, rather than increasing slab thicknesses. This implementation project aimed at enhancing the quality of the materials and construction operations for CRCP by developing training materials and providing training to TxDOT and contractor personnel. Three areas that need the most attention were identified: (1) materials and construction issues of CRCP for optimum performance, (2) full- and partial-depth repairs of CRCP, and (3) prevention and repair lane separations in concrete pavement. For the development of training material, district construction and maintenance staff were consulted along with the review of publications on CRCP construction and rehabilitation. Also, the information gathered over the years under various TxDOT research studies was utilized.

Just in Time Technology Transfer for Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Construction and Rehabilitation

Project PI: Moon C. Won

Research Associate: Timothy Wood

Full Project Report

TxDOT Implementation: P1, P2, P3