Feasibility Study of Two-Lift Concrete Paving : Technical Report

Two-lift concrete paving (2LCP) involves placing two layers of concrete (wet-on-wet) instead of a single homogeneous layer, as typically done in the United States. 2LCP offers the opportunity to optimize the use of local aggregates, recycled materials to produce an economical, durable, and sustainable pavement system with the most desirable surface characteristics (improved skid resistance and reduced noise). Districts including Houston, Fort Worth, and Dallas have the potential to receive great benefit from the concept by being able to use more local materials that is not considered appropriate for traditional (single-lift) concrete pavement used. Despite above mentioned benefits, challenges of 2LCP are to have the proper paving equipment, pavement construction management, the right mixture proportions to use the local materials in the bottom lift, which results in an economical pavement placement, and the proper proportions and materials to ensure adequate surface friction and abrasion resistance in the top lift. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather previous experiences and past performance of 2LCP, particularly to justify the cost and efficiently execute the process of 2LCP. Surveys and interviews were conducted on contractors and agencies with experience with 2LCP. A one-day workshop regarding 2LCP was organized to obtain information from a wide range of agency, construction, equipment manufacturer, and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) personnel with experience and interest in 2LCP. The workshop also served as a solicitation of ideas of best practice, most cost effective approach, concerns, and requirements associated with materials and construction of 2LCP. This report discusses additional requirements in materials, equipment and construction, project scheduling, and jobsite management that will be beneficial in the implementation of 2LCP construction. This study also evaluated feasibility and cost effectiveness of 2LCP, particularly in Texas.

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