CRITERIA FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF CONTINUOUSLY REINFORCED CONCRETE PAVEMENT

The basic objective of the paper is to provide methodologies and criteria for the design and construction of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) in Australia. These concepts are based on 25 years' experience with CRCP pavement in environmental conditions similar to Australia's. A secondary objective is to provide a basic understanding of CRCP behaviour, so that future pavements of this type in Australia may be optimally designed and good performance obtained. Based on the information presented, the following conclusions and recommendations are made: (a) the design technology may be transferred to Australia, although the range of input variables in the design charts should be examined in terms of local conditions; (b) the design charts are based on the critical criteria of repetitive loading, crack spacing, crack width, and steel stress developed from combining field observations and theoretical modelling; (c) key steps or decisions that may be made during design and construction, such as coarse aggregate type, vibration type, etc will have a significant impact on construction; and (d) the end product of using the procedures outlined should be a smooth riding pavement that will provide years of maintenance free performance. (Author/TRRL)