LIMITING CRITERIA FOR THE DESIGN OF CONTINUOUSLY REINFORCED CONCRETE PAVEMENTS

The primary factors to consider in the thickness and reinforcement design for continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCPs) are the structural reesponse variables-- crack spacing, crack width, and maximum steel stress. They perform an important role in the outcome of the pavement's performance and can be related to the major distresses common to CRCPs. This paper describes the design-limiting criteria for these structural responses. Previous investigations of the design criteria are reviewed, and the most recently developed analytical models are studied. The basic procedures used to establish design criteria include an examination of the major distresses, such as punchout, spalling, and steel rupture, and a study of correlations between these distresses and the corresponding structural responses at appropriate levels. The procedure for use of the limiting criteria in CRCP design is outlined.