Prediction Of Surface Texture Of Joints And Cracks Based On Concrete Mixture Properties

Load Transfer Efficiency (LTE), or how effectively concrete pavement performs near the edges of each slab, is one of the most important factors in how long that pavement will last. This study presents an empirical model to explain how to optimize the concrete mixture to maximize LTE and the life of concrete pavements.

Author(s): Luis Ramirez, M.Sc.; Dr. Julie Marie Vandenbossche
Date : 2014
Sponsored by: Transportation Research Board

Abstract:

A high load transfer efficiency (LTE) across the joints and cracks is critical for the performance of a concrete pavement. An important factor affecting the LTE of joints and cracks is the aggregate interlock mechanism. This mechanism is controlled by the crack width and the surface texture of the cracked face. This surface texture is influenced by concrete properties such as water-to-cement ratio and coarse aggregate characteristics.

The objective of this study was to develop a relationship between key concrete mixture properties and the surface texture of the cracked faces. The surface texture of different concrete mixtures was quantified in the laboratory using a method called Volumetric Surface Texture (VST) test. These results were supplemented with laboratory and field data from previous studies, and a regression analysis was performed. As a result, an empirical model relating the critical concrete properties and the surface texture of the transverse joints/cracks was created.