Influence of Mixture Design and Environmental Factors on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement Cracking

The influence of concrete mixture design and environmental factors on cracking in a continuously reinforced concrete (CRC) pavement was documented on Interstate 90 in Hanson County, South Dakota. A project evaluated three mix designs, which were placed in the eastbound direction in 2005. From the study, it was shown that crack frequency was directly related to the initial concrete temperature as specifically contributed by the aggregate in the mix–and a reduced cement content making a less workable concrete. The study recommends an application of curing compound within 30 min to reduce CRC cracking, and wetting the aggregate stockpiles in hot weather to cool them overnight to reduce concrete temperature. Construction of CRC test sections containing at least 510 lb/yd³ of cement with 112 lb/yd³ (15% cement replaced with 18.75%) Class F fly ash is under way to examine the effects of the rate of early strength gain on cracking.