Uncracked joints in plain concrete pavements: causes, effects and possibilities of improvements

Pradena, M.A.; Houben, L.J.M.

doi:10.1590/ 2238-1031.jtl.v10n1a8

Uncracked joints in plain concrete pavements: causes, effects and possibilities of improvements

Title

Uncracked joints in plain concrete pavements: causes, effects and possibilities of improvements

Author

Pradena, M.A. (University of Concepcion)
Houben, L.J.M. (TU Delft Pavement Engineering)

Date

2016

Abstract

During the construction of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements (JPCPs) in Chile, it was observed that joints remained uncracked. The objectives of this paper are to evaluate the effects of uncracked joints (UnCrJ) in JPCPs and to propose possible solutions or improvements to avoid or minimize this phenomenon. Considering low thermal amplitude as cause of UnCrJ, a rational-based, detailed and empirically validated model is used to predict UnCrJ and crack width. The modelled results are not only due to material changes but also to the location of the series of cracks in time in the JPCP system. The paper contributes with this rational approach, instead of an empirical-simplified one, to achieve the objectives. For the modelled conditions, the “as-built” slab length range is 8 m to 56 m instead of the 4 m designed one. Then, more curling, joint faulting, water infiltration in sealed joints and load transfer efficiency ≤ 70% are expected.
The alternative solutions proposed are associated to innovations as short joints spacing, unsealed joints and saw-cuts up to 50% thickness made with thin blade (≤ 3mm), which was verified with new field evidence provided in the article.

Subject

pavements
concrete
uncracked
joints
crack width

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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:2f0756a1-6d6c-4186-8889-5c861d589eae

DOI

10.1590/ 2238-1031.jtl.v10n1a8

ISSN

2238-1031

Source

The Journal of Transport Literature, 10 (1), 40-44

Part of collection

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