Title:
Impact of Coarse Aggregates on Transverse Crack
Performance in Jointed Concrete Pavements
Author(s):
Impact of Coarse Aggregates on Transverse Crack
Performance in Jointed Concrete Pavements
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
97
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
325-332
Keywords:
aggregates; concretes; cracking (fracturing); tests.
DOI:
10.14359/4626
Date:
5/1/2000
Abstract:
Environmental effects and repetitive traffic applications can lead to the development of transverse cracks in jointed concrete pavements (JCPs). Maintaining adequate aggregate interlock load transfer across these cracks is essential for preserving the functional and struc-tural integrity of these pavements. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of aggregate type, size, and blending on the per-formance of transverse cracking, in jointed concrete pavements. Field data collected from inservice JCPs located throughout southern Michigan was used to accomplish these objectives. Joint spacing, coarse aggregate type, shoulder type, and pavement temperature were found to have significant effects on transverse crack development and/or performance. The surface texture of crack faces was assessed using a promising new test method called volumetric surface texture (VST) testing. VST results provided an indication of the aggregate interlock potential of pavements containing various aggregate types. A parallel laboratory study was conducted to study the impact of aggregate size and blending on transverse crack performance. Three performance parameters capable of mechanistically characterizing crack performance are discussed. A relatively simple procedure was described for determining these parameters and evaluating crack con-dition.