Published in 1973
Fabric reinforcement was used in an attempt to prevent reflection cracking of two bituminous concrete layers overlying an 8-inch plain (unreinforced, unjointed) concrete base that was underlain by a portland cement stabilized subbase material. On these pavements it was expected that the extremely rigid base and subbase layers would reduce vertical motion to a minimum. Similar pavements constructed with no overlay reinforcement readily showed reflection cracking in the bituminous layers, presumably because of horizontal, thermally induced movements of shrinkage cracks in the concrete base.
Last updated: February 8, 2024