National Concrete Pavement Technology Center

Project description

The objective of this project is to conduct a performance assessment on three unbonded concrete overlay projects in Illinois through visual surveys, nondestructive testing, and coring. The first project is an experimental UBOL with thin concrete and small panel sizes. The researchers will evaluate it for current distresses, slab-interlayer contact condition, structural response, and coring to determine the mechanism leading to the observed longitudinal cracking. The second project is UBOL with jointed plain concrete pavement. Researchers will assess distresses visually along with falling weight deflectometer testing for structural response and MIRA testing for slab-interlayer-old PCC contact condition. Coring of the UBOL will be reserved only for investigating development of premature distresses. The third project is an experimental JPCP overlay of existing hot-mix asphalt pavement along with potential nondestructive testing at the site. The UBOL assessments will provide current overall overlay performances, structural condition of the overlays, and the potential interlayer condition and interfacial contact integrity. The results of this study are expected to assist in developing or modifying specifications and standards for UBOL design, construction, and maintenance plans.