Optimal thickness of asphalt overlay for composite pavements

Title: Optimal thickness of asphalt overlay for composite pavements
Author(s): F. Zhou, L. Sun
Paper category : conference
Book title: Fourth International RILEM Conference on Reflective Cracking in Pavements - Research in Practice
Editor(s): A. O. Abd El Halim, D. A. Taylor
and El H. H. Mohamed
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-14-4
e-ISBN: 2351580265
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2000
Pages: 69 - 79
Total Pages: 11
Nb references: 2
Language: English

Abstract: 
Reflective cracking is a big problem for asphalt overlays on existing concrete pavements (AC/PCC). It is uneconomical to completely prevent reflective cracking from occurring only by increasing the thickness of asphalt overlay, and in fact the method is not practical. Therefore, it is necessary to study the optimal thickness of asphalt overlay. The paper analyzed the effect of thickness of asphalt overlay on reflective cracking utilizing the three-dimensional finite element. Based on the result of the mechanistic analysis, the critical thickness between the single reflective cracking and couple reflective cracking was recommended, and the concepts of "optimal width of delamination" and "optimal thickness of asphalt overlay" are introduced. Furthermore, the results of test roads not only validate the above mechanistic analysis, but also show that the width of couple reflective cracking is equal to the thickness of asphalt overlays. Based on the results of both mechanistic analysis and test roads, the optimal thickness of asphalt overlay is suggested.

Online publication: 2009-12-23
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00