Rubblization Using Multi-Head Breaker Equipment

A comprehensive nationwide National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) study published in 1991 indicated that rubblization was the most effective procedure for addressing hot mix asphalt overlay reflective cracking in portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements. In recent years, rubblization has also been effectively utilized to rehabilitate PCC pavements showing D-cracking and ASR (alkali-silica-reaction) distresses. Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, PCC rubblization has gained favor and rubblization equipment and construction procedures have been considerably improved. Rubblization is currently the most widely used PCC slab fracturing technique. A prototype lane-width/one-pass multi-head breaker (MHB) developed by Badger State Highway Equipment, Inc., Antigo, Wisconsin, was first utilized by Antigo Construction, Inc., in the 1995 construction season. This paper documents the development, capabilities, and effective utilization of the MHB for rubblizing PCC pavements.