Performance of continuously reinforced concrete pavements in Oklahoma (OK-96-06)

Abstract

Beginning in the early 1970s, over 1104 lane km (686 lane miles) of continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) were constructed Oklahoma, with almost 75 percent constructed since 1986. There have been three distinct design periods in the state, with a lower percentage of longitudinal reinforcing used in pavements constructed between 1985 and 1990. This study investigated the performance of the state's CRCP, focusing on crack spacing. occurrence of cluster cracking, and overall pavement condition. A comparison was also made between design and construction methods used by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Transportation. This investigation found overa11 good performance of the state's CRCP when compared to other states. Visual surveys of 44 projects revealed an average of 1.1 punchouts or patches per mile with four projects exhibiting a large nwnber of distresses. Factors were identified for each of these four projects (i.e., age, structural design, or type of base m aterial) that have likely affected their performance. Recommendations were made to monitor newer pavements that have exhibited poor cracking patterns, to adopt the use of an asphalt bond breaker between the CRCP and cement-treated base or decrease the cement content of the base, to saw and seal longitudinal construction joints between the PCC shoulders and CRCP, and to consider increasing the percentage longitudinal reinforcing and the outside lane width.