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Guidance and Tools Support Wider Use ofComposite Paving System Construction

New guidance for constructing cost-effective, safe, andlonger-lasting pavement systems

Composite pavement systems have been shown in the United States andEurope to have a longer service life with excellent surface characteris csand structural capacity, while being economical and sustainable.Despite this, these composite pavement systems are not widely usedin the United States because studies of their installa on and use wereinadequate. The purpose of the product developed through the secondStrategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) project was to documentthe behavior of composite pavements and provide models to be used fordesign, performance predic on, and life-cycle cost analysis.

The Solution

Two promising composite pavement systems: a thin, high-quality hot-mixasphalt layer over a Portland cement concrete (PCC) structural layer, and athin, superior PCC surface over a second, less-expensive, recycled PCC layer

were inves gated as part of the research. The results of these tests, whichwere conducted in heavy-load highway and a variety of clima c condi ons,were used to develop and validate models and design procedures to beused for design and construc on of the new composite pavement systems.The new guidelines provide prac cal recommenda ons for construc onspeci ca ons and techniques, life-cycle cos ng, quality managementprocedures, and training materials.

The Benefts

With the new guidance, models, techniques, and speci ca ons, state andlocal departments of transporta on and other organiza ons can have con dence that the composite pavementsystems they install and maintain will be long-las ng and have predictably low life-cycle costs. Agencies will nolonger need to develop construc on speci ca ons and quality management guidelines on their own, but caninstead consider using these. The training tools and case studies include all relevant design and construc onissues and are essen al to widespread adop on and use of composite pavements.

Composite Pavement Systems

Composite pavement systemssave time and money

FOCUS AREA:Renewal (R21)

Tools include models, techniques,construc on speci ca ons, qualitymanagement guidelines, trainingtools, and case studies.

Save Lives Excellent skid

resistance is due tohigh-quality top layer.

Pavement is resistant to cracking,fa gue, and wear.

Save Money Thicker bo om

layer is made oflower-cost materialwith recycledcontent.

Higher quality, func onal upperlayer is thinner and renewable foraddi onal savings.

Save Time Replacement or

retexturing of toplayer is economicaland quick.

Reduced maintenance needs limittra c disrup on.

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How can you learn more?

Implementa on is expected in 2014.

Resources to learn more about Composite Pavement Systems is available ath p://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/trbnetprojectdisplay.asp?projec d=2173 . The2008 Survey of European Composite Pavements is available at h p://www.trb.org/Publica ons/Blurbs/163693.aspx . The presenta on to the MinnesotaROADResearch Conference is available at h p://www.dot.state.mn.us/mnroad/calendar/PDFs/Rao.pdf .

For more informa on, contact Keith Pla e at AASHTO, kpla e@aashto.org ;James Bryant at TRB, jbryant@nas.gov ; or Thomas Van at FHWA, thomas.van@dot.gov .

About SHRP 2 Implementation

The second Strategic Highway Research Program is a na onal partnership of key transporta on

organiza ons: the Federal Highway Administra on, the American Associa on of State Highway

and Transporta on O cials, and the Transporta on Research Board. Together, these partners

conduct research and deploy products that will help the transporta on community enhance the

produc vity, boost the e ciency, increase the safety, and improve the reliability of the Na onshighway system.

Strategic Highway Research Program

U.S. Department of Transporta on | Federal Highway Administra on

American Associa on of State Highway and Transporta on O cials Transporta on Research Board