JOINTED CONCRETE PAVEMENTS IN MICHIGAN DESIGN PERFORMANCE AND REPAIR

The report covers background information concerning the performance and problems related to postwar pavements with 99-ft reinforced slabs, load transfer, and base plates under the joints. Newer pavements have been designed with successively shorter slab lengths. Load transfer and reinforcement still are used. A major installation of experimental pavement is discussed. Experience to date has resulted in a recent change to incorporate free draining base materials with subbase drains in future Interstate projects. The first concrete recycling job has been indefinitely delayed because of fund reductions. The effects of pressure build-up in older pavements is discussed, along with strategies for pressure relief, experimental pressure relief projects, preventive maintenance, and the development of techniques for locating and installing joint filler in pressure relief joints. The effects of base drainage on the performance of the concrete pavement as well as the inter-relationships with aggregate quality, are demonstrated for an experimental installation having extreme variations in drainability. A few details of concrete shoulder design and some examples of compatible slab length considerations are suggested, along with brief comments on corrosion resistant load transfer dowels.