Microcracking for Reduced Shrinkage in Cement-Treated Base

摘要

Shrinkage cracking occurs in cement-treated bases (CTB) due to desiccation and cement hydration. Eventually these cracks start to reflect through the pavement surfacing. While initially cosmetic in nature, these cracks open the pavement to water infiltration and increase the likelihood of accelerated pavement distress. This project focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the microcracking concept for reducing shrinkage cracking in cement-treated bases. Microcracking can be defined as the application of several vibratory roller passes to the cement-treated base at a short curing stage, typically after 1 to 3 days, to create a fine network of cracks. The goal of microcracking is to prevent severe, wide cracks from forming and thus reduce the risk of problematic reflective cracking through the pavement surfacing.