Load Transfer Stiffness of Two-layer Roller Compacted Concrete for Pavements

Abstract

Roller compacted concrete (RCC) is a form of plain concrete pavement (JPCP). RCC is a zero-slump concrete consisting of well-graded aggregate, cement and water. RCC has many advantages over other pavement types, particularly cost and speed of construction. Recently, RCC has undergone many developments mostly directed towards improving quality, including smoothness and durability. RCC now has the potential to combine the performance of concrete with the low cost of asphalt installation. A two-layer system of RCC with different aggregate types and sizes was utilized in this study. This paper presents the determination of load transfer stiffness across induced joints in a two-layer RCC system based on a cyclic shear test. The test was carried out for three different upper layer placement cases with different crack widths and load magnitudes. From the test results, an approximate equation was formulated to predict joint deterioration. It is suggested that this equation provides a useful tool to assist in the design of two-layer RCC pavement and, potentially for other concrete pavement types.