Innovative Treatment to Winter Distresses Using a Prefabricated Rollable Pavement Based on a Textile-Reinforced Concrete

Abstract

For a fast treatment of winter distresses, a 1-cm-thick rollable pavement was developed based on a textile-reinforced concrete with short fibers. After the rollable pavement has been placed, its surface is treated with epoxy resin and chippings ranging in size from 2 to 5 mm are applied. This ensures an adequate skid resistance and low tire-surface noise. The research presented in this paper also includes results of performance tests. Firstly, the tensile strength of the rollable pavement was determined using the four-point bending test and compared with the actual stresses in real road pavements. Then, the specimens of the rollable pavement were polished using the Aachener ravelling tester. Changes in the texture and their influences on the acoustic properties, the skid resistance, the drainage, and the ravelling were studied and optimized where needed. It can be concluded that this innovative rollable pavement has high mechanical resistance and stability and very positive texture characteristics. With this technique, winter distresses can be repaired within only a few hours. The new road surface can be opened for traffic quickly after the repairs are made. Therefore, this technique has the potential to contribute to durable road structures and sustainability in road engineering.