DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES - CONCRETE PAVEMENTS

Primary emphasis is placed in this paper upon design principles of concrete pavements. It is inevitable that practices deviate from the ideal due to extrinsic considerations such as environment, loading conditions, economic factors and others. In this paper design principles are tied into practices and reasons for these deviations are discussed. Some of the data contained in this paper are based upon those presented in various papers by authors from over the world and compiled in the proceedings of the international conference on concrete pavement design held at Purdue University in February 1977. Special problems are discussed with reference to the use of concrete pavements in urban areas. Reasons for adopting certain designs are presented and performance of pavements are discussed in some detail. Poor performance of concrete pavements is brought about by violating the basic principles of design. Use and misuse of joints and steel reinforcement are discussed. The need for an adequate foundation, along with the need for drainage, is discussed. /TRRL/