USE OF RETROFIT LOAD TRANSFER DEVICES AND UNDERSEALING TO REHABILITATE A PCC PAVEMENT

A 1986 project evaluated bituminous undersealing and different retrofitted load transfer devices in Chase County on U.S. 50. This report follows the progress of the project from 1986 until 1993. The project consisted of two 305 m (1000 ft) test sections and one 305 m (1000 ft) control section. Test section 1 received patching and a 100 mm (4 in.) overlay and no undersealing. Test section 2 was constructed with no overlay, but it had undersealing and also contained load transfer devices. The devices used were: drilled and grouted dowel bars with patching, dowel bars placed on chairs in sawed slots, and a Double V device. The control section was constructed by regular construction techniques. The data show that undersealing gave the pavement added strength. It also helped to control the deflections of the pavement. Load transfer devices distributed forces and helped the patches last longer. The load transfer device that worked best was the Double V device. The bituminous overlay has given effective performance for more than eight years with a smoother ride than the load transfer device section.