HVS Test Results on Fast-Setting Hydraulic Cement Concrete, Palmdale, California Test Sections, South Tangent

As part of the Caltrans Long Life Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies (LLPRS), a fast setting strength hydraulic cement concrete (FSHCC)/Type I/II portland cement concrete (PCC) blend was evaluated under Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) tests as detailed in the Test Plan for CAL / APT Goal LLPRS - Rigid Phase III (1). Because it is expected to be used on projects where heavy trucks are expected to be allowed on the slabs within 4 to 8 hours after placement, this newly placed concrete is specified to obtain a flexural strength of 2.8 MPa within 4 to 8 hours of placement. Two full-scale test sites, each approximately 210 m in length, were constructed using this concrete on either side of State Route 14 about 5 miles south of Palmdale, California. Various test sections were constructed at these two sites. The site in the southbound direction included sections with different thicknesses of concrete placed on compacted granular base. The site in the northbound direction included 200-mm concrete on cement treated base, with various design features: dowels, tied shoulders, and widened lanes. This report documents the results of the tests on the southbound lanes, also referred to as the "South Tangent." Another report currently being written presents the results of tests on the northbound lanes (North Tangent).