Effects of Preoverlay Pavement Conditions and Preoverlay Repair Methods on the Performance of Asphaltic Concrete Overlays

Abstract

Asphaltic concrete overlay is a commonly used rehabilitation technology for existing asphaltic or concrete pavements. The existing pavements are often repaired prior to the placement of the overlay. Considering the significant cost associated with this type of repair, it is imperative to understand how preoverlay pavement distresses and preoverlay repair methods can affect the postoverlay performance so that engineers can select the most effective preoverlay repair methods. This study used data that were collected from 449 asphaltic overlays on existing pavements. Statistical analysis results indicated that (1) for asphaltic concrete pavements, milling is more effective in reducing alligator/block cracking, longitudinal cracking, and raveling in asphaltic overlay; (2) for composite pavements, asphaltic concrete base patching is more effective in reducing longitudinal cracking, and doweled concrete base patching is more effective in reducing surface raveling in asphaltic overlay; (3) for joint plain concrete pavements, undoweled concrete base patching is more effective in reducing transverse and longitudinal cracking; and (4) for continuously reinforced concrete pavements, asphaltic concrete base patching is more effective in reducing transverse and longitudinal cracking.