Investigation of Design Parameters Affecting Transverse Cracking in Jointed Concrete Pavements

Environmental effects and repetitive traffic applications can lead to the development of transverse cracks in jointed concrete pavements (JCPs). Maintaining adequate aggregate interlock load transfer across these cracks is essential to preserving the functional and structural integrity of these pavements. The objectives of this study were to determine the design parameters that significantly affect transverse cracking and to demonstrate methods available for evaluating cracked pavements. Field data collected from in-service JCPs located throughout southern Michigan were used to accomplish these objectives. Joint spacing, coarse aggregate type, shoulder type, and pavement temperature were found to have significant effects on transverse crack development and/or performance. The surface texture of crack faces was assessed using a promising new test method called Volumetric Surface Texture (VST) testing. VST results provided an indication of the aggregate interlock potential of pavements containing various aggregate types. Three performance parameters capable of mechanistically characterizing crack performance were discussed. A relatively simple procedure was described for determining these parameters and evaluating crack condition. Field data were also used to demonstrate and validate a voids-analysis procedure.