Forensic Investigation of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements in Fair and Poor Condition

Abstract

Continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) sections contain longitudinal and transverse reinforcement that spans the entire pavement section. This paper presents the investigation result of two CRCP sections that exhibited closely spaced cluster cracks. One of the CRCP sections was in relatively poor condition because of distress in the form of several punchouts. In the forensic pavement investigation conducted jointly by a research team and the Georgia Department of Transportation, both nondestructive and destructive tests were used to investigate CRCP performance. It was concluded that the cluster-cracking mechanism was related to material and environmental factors. It was also concluded that the relatively poor CRCP section experiencing punchouts was due to poor concrete compaction and other construction issues. A long-term monitoring program was recommended by the investigation team to further identify signs of punchout distress and provide any needed rehabilitation.