Evaluation of Consolidation in Concrete Pavements

About the report:

Petrographic examinations of specimens from two recently constructed concrete pavements suggested that complete consolidation of the concrete may not have been achieved. Consequently, a quantitative evaluation of the degree of consolidation in these specimens was undertaken. The pavements were of plain, jointed design with dowels for load transfer. Both projects were constructed using slip-form paving machines with spud vibrators. It was found that the entrapped void content was excessive. In both cases, the entrapped void content of the lower half of the pavement was higher than the upper half. This situation apparently occurred because the vibrators were set to ride above the preplaced dowel assemblages. In one pavement the consolidation of the upper half was adequate, but the entrapped void content of the upper half of the other pavement was also found to be excessive. The following recommendations are made: (1) During preplacement conferences and actual construction, emphasize the importance of adequate consolidation of concrete throughout the pavement, especially in the vicinity of dowel assemblages. (2) Consider alternative methods of dowel placement. Pavers with dowel bar inserters are available. (3) Investigate methods to evaluate and monitor consolidation during construction. Nuclear gauges are used for this purpose in some states although not all applications have been successful. Ultrasonic techniques show promise for this application.

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