Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement: Improved Transition Designs

A transition between a continuously reinforced concrete (CRC) pavement and any other type of pavement or structure needs to accommodate a gradual change in either the configuration or the structural capacity of the pavement cross section to maintain rideability, minimize or facilitate slab end movements, and minimize the potential for drainage-related issues to be a factor in performance. In CRC pavements, transitions are design measures to accommodate a uniform or gradual change in slab thickness, width, restraint, or movement (either vertically or horizontally) at a specific location with the intent of preventing early deterioration and minimizing the need for maintenance over the design life. The junction between a CRC pavement and any other type of pavement such as jointed concrete (JC) or asphalt concrete (AC) pavement or a bridge structure all require a reconfiguration of the pavement typical section to provide an acceptable transition (particularly in light of the magnitude of movements that potentially can take place). A variety of joint configurations and movements can be included in transitions, but those such as jointing details, tie bars, and dowels, along with other details of each transition type, are discussed in this document, which addresses the important factors that must be considered for transition design.