Details:

Creators:
Elseifi, M.
Corporate Creators:
Louisiana Transportation Research Center
Corporate Contributors:
Louisiana. Dept. of Transportation and Development ; Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, La.)
Louisiana. Dept. of Transportation and Development ; Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, La.) Less -
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Composite Pavements Fiber Reinforced Concrete Glass-grid Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Pavement Cracking Reflective Cracking
Publication/ Report Number:
08-1P
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Louisiana
Edition:
Research project capsule; Dec. 2008.
Corporate Publisher:
Louisiana Transportation Research Center
Abstract:
Reflection cracks are caused by discontinuities (cracks or joints) in underlying layers, which

propagate through a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) overlay due to continuous movement at the crack

prompted by thermal and traffic loading. If the new overlay is bonded to the distressed layer,

cracks in the existing pavement usually propagate to the surface within one to five years and

even as early as few months have been reported. Excessive seasonal temperature variations

and movements of a cement-treated base layer may also result in shrinkage cracking, which

extends to the pavement surface to cause reflection block cracks. Reflection cracking leads to

premature failure of overlays by allowing water infiltration through the cracks, which cause

stripping in HMA layers and weakening and deterioration of the base and/or subgrade.

Since the early 1930s, considerable resources and efforts have been spent to find new and

relatively inexpensive techniques to delay reflection cracking. Different methods, including the

use of interlayer systems (e.g., glassgrid, stress absorbing membranes, paving fabrics, etc.)

and rubblization, have been suggested for enhancing pavement resistance to reflective

cracking. Experimental investigations of these crack control treatments indicate that their

performances have been mixed and cannot be considered conclusive.

Louisiana has experience with various techniques and treatments to control reflection

cracking since the 1970s; however, the cost-effectiveness and performance of these methods

have not been reliably evaluated. In addition, scientific evaluation and testing of these

treatment methods was not performed on many projects. To ensure successful control of this

distress and effective allocation of maintenance funds, there is a critical need to assess the

performance of pavement sections across the state built with various treatment methods and

to determine the most cost-effective techniques to delay or to prevent reflection cracking in

composite pavements.


Format:
PDF
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:bd2daf1b2b472a8837ad484cbe69c4271c12559a2019d64f909ffe416d862e9b
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/17100/dot_17100_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

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