Evaluation of precut transverse cracks for an asphalt concrete pavement in interior Alaska (Moose Creek - Richardson Highway).

PDFTech ReportINE/AUTC 15.07T2-13-13Asphalt concrete pavementsTransverse crackingFrigid regionsPavement designLiterature reviewsData collectionLaboratory testsSawingAlaskaAlaska. Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities. Research, Development and Technology TransferLiu, JennyMcHattie, RobertZhang, XiongNetardus, JohnAlaska University Transportation CenterUS Transportation CollectionRoad-width thermal cracks (major transverse cracks) are perhaps the most noticeable form of crack-related damage on AC pavementsthroughout colder areas of Alaska. The main objective of this study is to recommend design strategies and construction practices aimedat controlling thermal cracking in AC pavements. In this report, literature review summarizes selected items of the engineering literaturedirectly relevant to precutting of pavement-type structures and control of thermal cracking in general. Crack surveys and data collectionwere conducted at the test sections in an AKDOT&PF resurfacing project to compare various precut strategies (variations of cut spacingand depth), with the locations of natural major transverse cracks both before and after construction. Laboratory testing and numericalanalysis were also presented to provide basic data about the physical properties of the AC and help explain some of the observedcharacteristics associated with natural thermal cracking