Performance of a Rehabilitated D-Cracked Jointed Plain Concrete Airfield Pavement

The results of a study conducted to assess the performance of a D-cracked pavement rehabilitated between 1986 and 1989 are presented. The original pavement, located at Forbes Field in Topeka, Kansas, consisted of a thick jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) placed directly on a clay subgrade and had D-cracking in the top 102 mm (4 in.). The D-cracking was removed completely by milling before the placement of a bonded JPCP overlay. The major concerns were (a) the bonding condition between the overlay and the original JPCP, (b) the extent of D-cracking progression in the original JPCP, if any, after rehabilitation, and (c) the structural condition of the overlay and the original JPCP. These concerns were investigated using data from heavy weight deflectometer tests performed at the center, corner, and edge of the JPCP slabs. Cores from the rehabilitated pavement were also inspected. The results of the study indicate that, after 6 to 9 years of service, the rehabilitated JPCP is in good structural condition. Significant friction and bonding still exist between the overlay and the original JPCP layer. These results may be useful to pavement engineers considering a bonded portland cement concrete overlay for rehabilitation of D-cracked JPCP.