Using Precast Concrete Panels for Pavement Construction in Indiana

Abstract

The closure of roadways for new pavement, overlays, or removal and replacement applications constantly causes traffic congestions. To minimize the effects of traffic congestions, the study is intended to assess the feasibility of using Precsat Concrete Pavement (PCP) method in INDOT pavement construction. The research investigated the state-of-the-art of the PCP methods lately developed in United States. The conventional concrete pavement methods such as Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) including Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP), Jointed Reinforced Concrete Pavement (JRCP), and Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) were reviewed and compared with PCP methods. With the speedy construction and lower user impact cost of PCP, the PCP methods were further studied. It was found that Precast Prestressed Concrete Pavement (PPCP) is used in Texas and California; Super-slab method in New York. Full Depth Repair method in Michigan; Stitch-in-Time method in Colorado; the Four-by-Four method in California are repairing methods. Their design concepts, field installation procedures, merits, pitfalls, costs and applications were evaluated. With all the comparative advantages and disadvantages, it can be concluded that it is feasible to use PCP in INDOT pavement construction. Based on the data collected and analyses on the PCP methods identified in this study, TxDOT’s PPCP method posses comparatively distinguishing merits. It is recommended to experiment PPCP method on INDOT demonstration project as soon as it can.