Why Overlay a New CRC Pavement?
May 04, 2012 at 9:54 AM
Some continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) are designed with an asphalt pavement wearing surface; however, it is hard to understand the benefits of this. Why? Because in Texas a CRCP after 30 years of carrying high volumes of heavy traffic loads (per a study by Dr. Moon Won, Texas Tech Univ.) would have an average of only 1.4 failures per lane mile (far below the industry norm of 5-10 failures for "terminal condition"). So why put an asphalt surface on a concrete pavement that would be virtually maintenance free for 30 or more years? Especially, when you consider that the asphalt wearing surface will have to be milled and replaced an average of once every seven years. Over a 30 year period, this would equate to spending over $700,000 per lane mile and that does not consider the costs of traffic control, traffic control markings, the impact on our environment, or the delays for the traveling public. How can this be sustainable? Or the best use of taxpayers funds?
Amy Swift
Amy is the Administrative Assistant for the Cement Council of Texas. You can contact her at aswift@cementx.org or 817-540-4437.
