Abstract
Concrete bonded whitetoppings and overlays usually fail due to a loss of bond between the layers as a consequence of direct actions (traffic loads) or indirect actions (temperature differences or shrinkage in the layers). These actions generate stresses in the interface that may exceed the strength capacity of the union between layers. This paper proposed an innovative solution for this problem that consisted of placing mechanical connectors in the overlay interfaces to provide them with post-cracking strength and maintaining the monolithic response of the pavement. Three experimental programs on real-scale pavements with two types of mechanical connectors were studied under heavy traffic in terms of structural performance. Findings reveal that this technique might be an excellent solution to the problem of interfacial debonding.
Highlights
Pavements are basic infrastructure, on intercities roads and in the urban environment
The objective of the present paper is to study the use of mechanical connectors for sewing the interface of Portland cement overlays subjected to heavy risk of interfacial cracking
These results indicated, on the one hand, that screws provide tensile post-cracking strength to the interfaces which may be higher than their pre-cracking strength and, on the other hand, that the tensile behavior of the interface might be homogenized
Summary
On intercities roads (highways, roads, among others) and in the urban environment. Whitetoppings and overlays are pavement restoration techniques which consist of extending a Portland cement concrete layer over either an existing asphalt concrete (whitetoppings) or a Portland cement concrete (overlays). Both techniques can be cost-effective, rapidly constructed, and sustainable solutions compared to full pavement reconstruction [3]. The bond between the new concrete layer and the original pavement plays a key role in the structural response. The pavement resists in a monolithic manner and stresses in the materials due to external loads or indirect actions are diminished. Providing a proper bond allows the design of thinner overlays [4]
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