Repair of concrete pavements includes both partial- and full-depth patching of distressed areas of the slab. Full-depth patching is a small subset of concrete paving and has a number of unique features. This is the focus of this paper. Unfortunately, many agencies approach patch design and construction from the mindset of conventional concrete paving, resulting in a number of unique properties of a patch repair being overlooked. Too often, patches do not perform well, and often the cause of failure can be traced back to procedures that are not appropriate for the patching operation. In this paper, several of those paving paradigms are discussed with reasons why they may be working against the long-term durability of the patch. Also, those aspects that are unique to patching are discussed and despite the best of intentions, may be the reason why patches are not performing as intended. This is a practical, application paper based on over 50 years of combined experience by the authors in the area of concrete pavement construction. Research is cited to support the ideas presented. The goals of the recommendations are to provide a highway agency with a method for patching concrete pavement that reduces the time required, allows lower opening strength, reduces cost, and results in a patch with a long life.
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