Cracking Behavior of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements in Belgium

Continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCPs) have been used in Belgium on a large scale for more than 40 years. Under the initial standard design concept, an apparently unfavorable cracking pattern develops with a high probability of clusters of closely spaced cracks. The standard design underwent several changes addressing longitudinal reinforcement rate, depth of the reinforcement layer, presence of an asphalt interlayer, pavement thickness, concrete mix, surface finishing, and lane width. The current concept has been used since 1995, and no major distresses have occurred since then. Research was undertaken to investigate crack spacing and crack width characteristics of CRCPs under the current design concept with a focus on the influence of the differing reinforcement percentages on early-age cracking behavior of CRCPs. Several approaches were used for analysis of crack spacing, especially the probability of clusters of closely spaced cracks. Crack width data including the movement of the slab were obtained with linear variable differential transformer measurements.