Updating and maintaining the rigid pavement database

This report summarizes the present contents of the Rigid Pavement Database after it was updated subsequent to the field surveys of 1993 through 1994. This database, which was initiated in 1974, consists of a 20-year performance record of more than 200 pavement projects across the state of Texas. The data include visual condition surveys, deflection basins taken with the Falling Weight Deflectometer, traffic data, environmental data, and such construction variables as year of construction, thickness, coarse aggregate type, swelling condition, and subbase type. Since 1974, many research projects have contributed data to the database. This study, besides being the most recent effort, is especially important because it provides the first visual condition survey of the continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) sections since 1987, and revisits previously surveyed jointed concrete pavement (JCP) sections for the first time since 1984. This year, in addition to continuing the study of the historical test sections, a number of new paving projects were selected with an emphasis on expanding the database to include a representative sample of the new, thicker sections and improved steel designs now being built. A special effort was made to ensure that the needs of TxDOT's new Pavement Management Information System (Texas PMIS) would be met now and in the foreseeable future.