Analysis of Current State Rigid Pavement Design Practices in the United States

Abstract

Current portland cement concrete pavement design practices and the key concrete pavement design features used by state highway agencies in the United States are summarized. This information was obtained from a comprehensive survey conducted in 1994 and 1995 under an NCHRP project. Pavement types, design methodologies, and reliability levels are included, along with many design inputs. Parameters that the states use to characterize pavement site conditions, including climate, subgrade, and traffic conditions, are given. The designed concrete slab thicknesses for different site condition combinations are compared. An analysis of variance was conducted to compare the mean slab thicknesses designed in different climatic regions. This examination and summary of the details of current pavement design practices and design features for concrete pavements in the United States will be of interest to both pavement researchers and practitioners.