CBI presents: Composite construction on continuously reinforced concrete pavements

Next, the consortium project Composite construction on continuously reinforced concrete pavements will be presented in the series “CBI presents”.

During the last decades, traffic on German roads (especially motorways) has increased considerably. The higher traffic density associated with high axle loads leads to very high track wear. Thus, after short periods of use, maintenance measures for asphalt roads become necessary, which are costly and lead to traffic disruptions and congestion.

In contrast, a properly manufactured, used, and maintained roadway with a continuous reinforced concrete cover (CRCP) is very durable. Many years of experience with CRCP are available in the United States, for example. Despite the positive experiences, the CRCP construction method has not yet (or only to a very limited extent) been included in German regulations. With the exception of a few test tracks, this construction method has received little attention in traffic route construction in Germany.

The reasons for the lack of acceptance of this construction method in Germany are higher construction costs compared to conventional roadways, the relatively complex reinforcement with continuous steel bars, and possibly unfavorable crack patterns.

Within the scope of this consortium project, the advantages and disadvantages of a continuously reinforced concrete roadway and the application of the continuously reinforced concrete roadway in two directions are investigated in an industry-oriented way. On the one hand, the advantages of the CRCP are to be used to develop a durable and low-maintenance construction method. On the other hand, a noise-reducing composite construction method on a PU basis is seen as promising. Special attention is paid to increasing the service life and reducing maintenance measures. The use of alternative wearing courses and the development of suitable road markings will also be a focus of attention.

The aim of the consortium project is to establish the composite construction method on continuously reinforced concrete pavements in Germany. The advantages of the CRCP together with different wearing courses will be used to develop a durable and low-maintenance construction method. Special attention will be paid to increasing the service life and reducing the maintenance measures by using a composite construction method of CRCP with a surface layer of PU asphalt. The use of alternative wearing courses and the development of suitable road markings are also in focus.

The CBI would like to thank the companies for their confidence and for their productive participation in this project.