Effects of Design and Material Modifications on Early Cracking of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements in South Dakota

Newer continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCPs) in South Dakota have exhibited undesirable levels and types of transverse cracking. This poor performance was not expected under the current recommended design practices. Research was undertaken to identify design, construction, and material issues that may be contributing to the undesirable cracking. After preliminary surveys of existing projects and analysis of the available Long-Term Pavement Performance CRCP data, a systematic construction program was initiated whereby changes in design and materials were incorporated and monitored for any beneficial effects. Beneficial changes were incorporated into projects scheduled for construction the following year and parameters were modified in order to distinguish with minimum ambiguity each parameter's effects on cracking behavior. The preliminary results are a series of recommended changes in design, construction, and materials, yielding normal and more desirable cracking patterns.