PCC PAVEMENT SMOOTHNESS: CHARACTERISTICS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR CONSTRUCTION

Smoothness is an important feature of modern pavement facilities. To begin with, it is one of the most important factors that the traveling public uses to judge the quality of a roadway, as it contributes to the safe and efficient movement of vehicles. Furthermore, high levels of initial smoothness have been shown to influence the future smoothness of the pavement and have also been linked to increases in pavement life. In recognition of the importance of pavement smoothness, many state highway agencies have adopted smoothness specifications that require minimum levels of smoothness for new pavement construction, with some specifications incorporating significant incentive/disincentive provisions. Although considerable information exists on the mechanics of measuring and expressing pavement smoothness and on the construction of smooth portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements, that information is dispersed among numerous sources. It is the purpose of this document to provide concise technical guidance on the best practices for measuring, expressing, specifying and achieving smoothness for PCC pavements. Particular emphasis is given to the PCC pavement construction activities that affect the resulting smoothness and the resulting quality of the pavement.