Performance of Concrete Pavements with Longitudinal Tining, Transverse Tining, and Carpet Drag Finish

This report documents the performance of concrete pavements constructed on I-5 in the vicinity of Federal Way, Washington. The pavements were built using three types of texture; carpet drag, longitudinal tining, and transverse tining. The pavements were monitored for wear, friction resistance, ride, and tire/pavement noise. The purpose of the study was to determine if the carpet drag and longitudinal tining methods of texture were equal to or better than the standard transverse tining used by WSDOT and required by FHWA at the time. The data showed that the carpet drag and longitudinal tined textures were equal to or better than the transverse tined texture with respect to pavement wear and friction resistance. Noise levels on the carpet drag and longitudinal tined textured pavements are in the range normally cited for either conventional diamond ground or longitudinal tined pavement. Additional performance data is reported from three concrete pavement projects located on I-90 in the Spokane urban area that used transverse tined and carpet drag textures. Data showed that neither of the textures will withstand the wear from studded tires. Friction resistance on these projects was adequate despite the quick removal of all texture by studded tire wear. Various mix designs that produced higher flexural strength pavements or pavements with higher cement contents did not prove any more resistant to studded tire wear than pavements built with standard 650 psi mix designs.