Precast Concrete Panel Systems for Full-Depth Pavement Repairs: Field Trials

2007PDFTech Reporthttp://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/concrete/pubs/hif07019/07019.pdfhttp://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo9474http://utils.louislibraries.org/cgi-bin/lz5.x?sitecode=LAVW?http://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo9474FHWA-HIF-07-019DTFH61-03-R-00003PanelsPavement maintenancePavements, Concrete--Michigan--Maintenance and repairConcrete panels--TestingUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Pavement TechnologyConcrete Pavement Technology ProgramFederal Highway AdministrationThe use of precast slabs as an alternative to conventional cast-in-place repairs may be an effective means of reducing construction time, thereby minimizing user delay and travel costs while obtaining a long-lasting, durable repair. This report summarizes the 3-year study, "Field Trials of Concrete Pavement Product and Process Technology-Precast Concrete System for Rapid Repairs," in which precast slabs were used for joint repair and slab replacement on in-service Michigan and Colorado highways. Cast-in-place, full-depth patches were installed as controls. The report contains a summary of the relevant literature; summaries of the field trials and their findings regarding efficiency and durability; recommendations for precast panel installation; a sample distress documentation report; a presentation of construction guidelines; and a sample special provision specification developed as part of the study. Recommendations for consecutive slab repairs are to reduce slab length; use a slab thickness of 200 mm or greater; use dowels to connect precast panels to existing panels for joint flexibility and load transfer; maximize proximity of repair sections when planning and encourage multitasking during panel installation to reduce construction time. For isolated repairs it is recommended that four dowel bars be placed in the wheel path and provide an expansion cap at one end of the dowel bar to accommodate slab movement due to environmental loading and prevent closing of the joint.79