Steel Fiber-Reinforced Rubberized Concrete for Roadways in Cold Regions: Public Road Test

Abstract

This research documents the real-world performance of a new pavement product for use in cold regions—steel fiber-reinforced rubberized concrete (SFRRC). During the previous phase of this research, SFRRC underwent laboratory testing as proof of concept. During the current phase, precast slabs of SFRRC was installed on a public road, Abbott Road, in the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska and monitored in the field using visual inspection, a continuous collection of strain gauge data, deflection measurements, rut depth, skid resistance, and other measures. The current location of the SFRRC is considered a high-traffic urban arterial, which makes it an effective location to study rutting, freeze-thaw resistance, falling weight deflection, skid resistance, and life-cycle cost. A comparative analysis was conducted using the same measuring techniques on hot mix asphalt (HMA) on an adjacent road section built at the same time. The results show that the SFRRC road sections have significantly better rutting resistance compared to the adjacent HMA road section, and the results of the freeze-thaw resistance and deflection field testing validate the results of the laboratory testing performed as part of an earlier phase. Furthermore, comparative life-cycle cost analyses of SFRRC and HMA justifies the use of SFRRC in roadway construction in cold regions in terms of cost effectiveness, enhanced performance, and extended life. The outcome of this research recommends the use of SFRRC for highway intersections and/or test sections on major arterials as the next phase of introducing this material for roadway construction in cold regions. The newly developed material of steel fiber-reinforced rubberized concrete (SFRRC) can be readily utilized in the construction of pavement structures where issues of short pavement life are a concern in northern climates as a result of the use of studded tires. This new material addresses the shortfalls of the use of Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement under very low temperatures, such as micro-crack development, as a result of the freeze-thaw cycles by utilizing the added rubber in that it is readily able to expand and contract. In addition, the added steel fiber will enhance the resistance of crack development under low temperatures. Furthermore, this new material can be an alternative to Portland cement concrete pavement, where premature failures like joint cracking or raveling can occur. SFRRC is more cost-effective than traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements as it can prolong the life of the pavement and lead to less pavement maintenance costs over time.