Improvements in the design and construction of transverse construction joints in continuously reinforced concrete pavement

Abstract

ABSTRACT In Texas, continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) generally performs well when designed and constructed properly. However, premature distresses, particularly at transverse construction joints (TCJs), necessitate repairs, impacting overall performance. Field experiments were conducted to understand distress mechanisms and enhance design and construction practices. Currently, most agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), mandate additional tie-bars at TCJs. Consequently, this study constructed a TCJ without them to evaluate steel and concrete behavior. Key findings revealed comparable steel stresses at TCJs without additional tie-bars to those at transverse cracks, suggesting their unnecessary use. Additionally, concrete densities near the TCJs were lower, indicating poor consolidation. These results prompted TxDOT to revise CRCP design standards, eliminating the requirement for additional tie-bars at TCJs and in the process of modifying specification verbiage for concrete consolidation along TCJs.