Surface cracking: origin and causes, theoretical and field studies

Title: Surface cracking: origin and causes, theoretical and field studies
Author(s): A. O. Abd El Halim, Y. Hassan, M. Farha, W. Bekheet
Paper category : conference
Book title: Fifth International RILEM Conference on Reflective Cracking in Pavements
Editor(s): C. Petit, I.L. Al-Qadi and A. Millien
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-47-0
e-ISBN: 2912143764
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 19 - 26
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 11
Language: English

Abstract: Research work carried out over the past two decades in the field of asphalt compaction has shown that current asphalt rollers induce hairline cracks at the top of the new compacted layer. Surface cracking can result in a total loss of the initial investment and subject highway vehicles and airplanes to unexpected safety hazardous. Theoretical analysis supported by laboratory investigations and verified by field studies showed that rolling compaction is the main contributor to asphalt cracking and that the AMIR compactor provides a more reliable compaction method that offers a better chance for overcoming these problems. This paper addresses the major steps leading to the realization of the influence of rolling on the long-term performance of compacted pavements. Issues of main concern to pavement engineers such as initiation and propagation of cracks are first identified, and engineering deficiencies of current compaction methods are described. The paper then explains when and how the cracks are induced and demonstrates through field trials the effect of preventing the occurrence of cracks on the mechanical properties of asphalt layers. The way construction induced cracks can influence the remedies adapted to date to correct and prevent the problem of reflection cracking is also described.

Online publication: 2004-04-15
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00