Improved Prediction Models for PCC Pavement Performance-Related Specifications

PDF files can be viewed with the Acrobat® Reader®

Introduction

Performance-related specifications (PRS) for the acceptance of newly constructed jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP) have been developed over the past decade. A PRS is a construction specification that describes the target levels of key materials and construction acceptance quality characteristics (AQC's) that have been found to correlate with key pavement performance indicators (distress and smoothness). These AQC's (e.g., initial smoothness, thickness, strength, air content, and per-cent consolidation around dowels) are amenable to acceptance testing at the time of construction. PRS also provide rational methods for con-tract price adjustment based on the difference between the as-designed and as constructed life-cycle costs (LCC's) of the pavements. Thus, it is critical that PRS employ valid distress and smoothness prediction models to accurately relate the AQC's to future pavement performance and associated LCC.