Improving the Foundation Layers for Concrete Pavements: Lessons Learned and a Framework for Mechanistic Assessment of Pavement Foundations - TPF-5(183)

(2021) Improving the Foundation Layers for Concrete Pavements: Lessons Learned and a Framework for Mechanistic Assessment of Pavement Foundations - TPF-5(183). Transportation, Department of

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Abstract

This report summarizes the key findings and lessons learned from the series of field, laboratory, and advanced numerical studies performed under Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Transportation Pooled Fund Study TPF-5(183). This research program was established by the partnering state departments of transportation (DOTs) to identify opportunities to document the as-constructed conditions and advance the quality and economy of the foundation layers for portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements, leading to improved support for long-life pavement systems. The key findings and lessons learned are drawn from detailed pavement foundation test programs in the participating states of California, Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The key findings are presented with an emphasis on the measurement and characterization of the design input values for the foundation layers. The focus of the lessons learned is on the challenges involved in the mechanistic characterization of pavement foundation engineering properties. Through this study, it was determined that current practices for pavement foundation quality inspection, specifically mechanistic characterization, are limited by the methods of measurement and frequency of testing. Ultimately, important pavement foundation parameters are not being measured in practice or controlled in situ, and therefore their impact on pavement performance is not well understood or accounted for in modern pavement design. A new performance-based framework is presented that rethinks the mechanistic assessment of pavement foundation layers and outlines an improved approach going forward. The goal of improving the measurement and performance of pavement foundation layers is to promote long-life concrete pavements. Improved workflows and better in situ measurement technologies are needed to ultimately produce more sustainable and longer lasting pavements.