National Concrete Pavement Technology Center

Project description

This report focuses on the calibration of a design framework for continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) developed in 2009 by using the most recent performance data acquired from existing CRCP sections in Illinois. Field performance data were used to update the fatigue damage to punchout model coefficients in the design framework. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the updated CRCP design program to determine its sensitivity to traffic levels, shoulder type, and support conditions as well as its magnitude relative to jointed plain concrete pavement design curves. Additionally, the new CRCP design charts were compared to AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design predicted CRCP slab thicknesses for the same inputs. Lastly, AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design was run to predict the performance of CRCP overlays in Illinois and compare the performance data of seven unbonded concrete overlays constructed in Illinois. AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design was then used to generate CRCP overlay thickness design tables for different traffic levels, shoulder types, and support conditions.