A STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON AN EXPERIMENTAL PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the pavement environment, such as temperature change and heavy truck traffic on an experimental P.C.C. pavement in Ross County, Ohio. Variables included in the experimental pavement were (1) Joint spacing, (2) Sub-base stabilization, (3) Coating of dowel bars, (4) Configuration of the saw cut and (5) the use of skewed joints. Horizontal slab movements caused by temperature and vertical movement of the slab ends under known axle loads were measured. A complete record is included of mid-slab cracking and crack growth. Also included is a summary of the surface spalling of the pavement and the spalling of the bottom of the pavement at the joints.