Title: Proposed Design for Experimental Prestressed Pavement Slab

Author(s): Subcommittee VI, ACI Committee 325

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 65

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 249-265

Keywords: concrete construction;concrete pavements;concrete slabs;creep (materials); joints;load tests (structural);post-tensioning;prestressed concrete;research; shrinkage;structural design;sbbase;thickness.

DOI: 10.14359/7470

Date: 4/1/1968

Abstract:
This report considers factors pertinent to the prestressing concept, reviews results of a number of experimental projects, and presents design details for experimental sections of prestressed pavement which can be built following existing highway construction practices in North America, and using commercially available prestressing equipment. Data are presented for slabs from 400 to 900 ft (120 to 270 m) long, 24 ft (7.3 m) wide, and 5 in. (13 cm) thick, with post-tensioned tendons spaced 24 in. (61 cm) on centers to provide at least 100 psi (7 kgf/cm2 ) effective prestress at midlength of the slab. Details are suggested for 600~ft (180-m) slabs. Post-tensioning is recommended to simplify operations using developed techniques, and to avoid the cost of pavement anchor blocks. The suggested design is supported by data from recent research on the performance of thin slabs under highway traffic. length changes anticipated are predicted on the basis of trends in earlier experiments. The design for slab ends is intended to conservatively reinforce these critical locations, assure even joints, protect the foundation, and aid drainage rather than to meet minimum design needs with the most economical construction.