Forensic Evaluation of Premature PCC Pavement Distress

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this project are to: 1) evaluate in-situ conditions of PCC pavements exhibiting early signs of distress (transverse and centerline joint faulting, pumping, etc.); 2) review design and construction parameters to identify common traits of pavements exhibiting distress; and 3) make recommendations regarding changes to design or construction procedures to achieve desired performance. BACKGROUND: Kentucky currently has several relatively young (20 - 25 years old) concrete pavements which are exhibiting signs of significant distress. In particular there has been an increase in settlement between the lanes and joint faulting which generally had not been observed in our concrete pavements constructed in the 1960's and 1970's. The reasons for these differences in performance are still unknown at the present time. In some instances, pavements have undergone a major rehabilitation in less than 20 years of service-life. This project is vitally important to the Cabinet to fully understand the expected performance of newly constructed concrete pavements. The results from this project will allow for better utilization of resources and allow for advanced programming of necessary rehabilitations, in times of limited budgets. FY 2007 PROPOSED WORK: It is anticipated that the evaluation of in-situ conditions of distressed PCC pavements will be completed and progress will be made on reviewing design/construction parameters to identify common traits of distressed pavements during the 2007 fiscal year. PROGRAMMED COST FY 2007: TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: Note: Initial funding @ $15,000 from prior year Unforeseen Investigation 06-56. $ 75,000 $300,000