Relative Costs of Various Concrete Pavement Features

The design and construction of portland cement concrete pavement involves the selection, specification, and construction of a number of concrete pavement features. Concrete pavement features can significantly affect pavement construction costs. In this study, the relative effect on pavement construction cost of several concrete pavement features was investigated, including concrete pavement thickness, foundation, shoulders, cross-section thickness variation (trapezoidal section), joint spacing, transverse joint load transfer, and transverse joint sealant. Careful consideration and study should be given the cost effects of various features when designing and specifying concrete pavement. The ideal pavement design is one that selects the least costly pavement section that will perform to the expected level over the life of the facility. The least costly pavement section is that with the least life-cycle costs.