Design of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements for Highways

This report summarizes the essential findings of a research study undertaken to develop an improved structural design procedure for continuously reinforced concrete pavement. A three-directional approach consisting of a theoretical study, field surveys, and a laboratory investigation was used in the research effort. The theoretical study produced a design behavioral model that solves for the state of stress and strain in CRCP systems resulting from drying shrinkage and temperature drop. A computer program, CRCP-1, was developed for application of the model in pavement design. Information obtained in field performance surveys at 133 pavement locations in 14 states was used in the development of a series of regression models for use in design as an alternate to, or in conjunction with, CRCP-1. The laboratory work involved repetitive load studies made on ten continuously reinforced slabs 3 ft x 6 ft x 4 in. cracked at mid-panel. Data from the laboratory study were used to develop regression equations to predict surface spall and deflection at cracks due to traffic loading. Water penetration was also investigated. The full study led to the proposal of a step-by-step design process that can be given practical application once several limiting criteria that are now missing are established. The field study also produced several observations of performance that may be of assistance to future CRCP users.