Technical and Construction Considerations for Jointed Precast Concrete Pavement Applications

Continued efforts are being made to expedite the rehabilitation and reconstruction of concrete pavements using long life concrete repair alternatives. A promising strategy is the use of precast concrete pavement technologies that allow for accelerated repair and rehabilitation of pavements and also result in durable, longer-lasting pavements. Accelerated construction techniques can significantly minimize the impact on the driving public, as lane closures and traffic congestion are kept to a minimum. Road user and worker safety is also improved by reducing users’ and workers’ exposure to construction traffic. The precast technology can be used for intermittent repairs or full-scale, continuous rehabilitation. In intermittent repair of PCC pavement, isolated full-depth repairs at joints and cracks or full-panel replacements are conducted using precast concrete panels. The repairs are typically full-lane width. The process is similar to full-depth repairs and full-panel replacement. In continuous applications, full-scale, project-level rehabilitation (resurfacing) or reconstruction of asphalt and PCC pavements are performed using precast concrete panels. This paper highlights technical and construction considerations for implementing the jointed precast concrete pavement technology.