Cracking patterns of continuously reinforced concrete pavement using black and galvanized steel under tropical climate

ABSTRACT

Experiences around world using continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCPs) in tropical hot-wet climates were not relevant to further characterise peculiar technical issues like crack width along seasons as well as bars rust potential due to typical rainfall conditions. This study purposes to assess the cracking pattern developed in a CRCP bus lane employing four different concrete mixes as well as the effects of steel type (black and galvanized) on crack width and load transfer efficiency (LTE). The central sections have presented the largest number of cracks since they are anchored by the ending sections and their average crack spacing is consistent with former studies on temperate climate. Crack width surveys shown the cracks are tighter than what traditionally came across in temperate climate and the average LTE at crack results is higher than 90% for both galvanized and black steel.

KEYWORDS:

• Continuously reinforced concrete pavements
• cracking pattern
• load transfer efficiency

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the partners for providing materials and work force for the construction of CRCP track lane: Votorantim Cement, Votorantim Metals, Votorantim Siderurgy, Engemix Read Mix, OAS Construction Company, Grace Brasil, Serveng Mining, Norberto Odebrecht Construction Company, Morlan Wires and Screens Manufacturer, Bbosh Galvanization, EP Floors Builders, Prefecture of the University of São Paulo and National Council for Science and Technology (for the scholarship provided to the first author).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.