0-7148: Develop Design Details for CRCP Whitetopping and Unbonded Overlays [Summary]

Details

• Creators:
  Won, Moon ; Goehl, Darlene C ; Koirala, Niwesh ; Jabonero, Christopher ; Nyamuhokya, Tito
• Corporate Creators:
  Texas Tech University. Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Transportation ; Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Corporate Contributors:
  Texas Department of Transportation. Research and Technology Implementation Office ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Concrete Overlays Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements Deflection Pavement Performance Whitetopping
• Resource Type:
  Brief
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Project Summary Report
• Contracting Officer:
  Souraphath, Danny
• Corporate Publisher:
  Texas. Department of Transportation
• Abstract:
  Existing design methodologies for concrete overlays often rely on outdated empirical approaches or complex mechanistic models that lack adequate field validation. This has resulted in a significant gap in practice, particularly the design of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) overlays, for which no standardized procedure exists in many jurisdictions. To address this deficiency, this research presents an innovative and rational design method for CRCP overlays grounded in the foundational principle that pavement deflection is a primary and reliable indicator of structural capacity and future performance. The methodology is developed through a holistic approach that combines extensive field testing, a nationwide agency survey, and mechanistic modeling. A field program on new CRCP construction projects quantified the direct correlation between the deflection of the base layer prior to paving and the final deflection of the completed CRCP system. To expand upon the limited scope of the field data, a calibrated Finite Element Method (FEM) model using dynamic analysis was developed to accurately simulate Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) loading. The calibrated model generated a comprehensive set of correlation curves relating base deflection to CRCP deflection for slab thicknesses from 4-in. to 15-in. over a wide range of subgrade conditions. These findings were then synthesized into two practical engineering tools: a graphical Design Nomograph and a Python-based software program. Both tools seamlessly integrate design traffic (ESALs), existing pavement deflection, and new correlation data to determine the required CRCP overlay thickness. This deflection-based approach offers a validated, data-driven, and accessible framework for designing durable and cost-effective CRCP overlays, thereby filling a critical void in current pavement rehabilitation practice.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  0-7148
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:b692dc4a95d66c1307fdbffdeef4a268730ce0893131fa36ed53b40abe6498f90f037c92457dbd9d43627f0984c0ab1bd01ab0839260c5a6d25e2f79559c8d11
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/86612/dot_86612_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 327.42 KB ]