A study of the performance of concrete block pavements in container terminals

Concrete block pavements (CBPs) have been used for heavy duty pavements in Container Terminals for over 25 years based on their advantages to withstand the severe dynamic and static loadings, resistance to fuel and hydraulic oil damage, settlement and differential settlement as well and in many instances being more economical than asphalt or rigid concrete pavements. Whilst CBPs have performed well for many projects there are some projects where the performance has not been as expected and premature pavement failures have occurred, particularly in terminals where the heavier container handling equipment such as Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes, Automatic Guided Vehicles, Straddle Carriers and Reach Stackers are used. This paper reviews recent experiences in a number of container terminals around the world where premature fatigue and pavement failures have been experienced in terminals using the heavier container handling equipment.