Mitigation Strategies of Reflection Cracking in Pavements.

摘要

Reflection cracking is a serious challenge associated with pavement rehabilitation. Practical experience shows that reflection cracking propagates at a rate of 1 in. per year. The primary objective of this synthesis study is to conduct an in-depth literature review of research projects on reflection cracking and a survey of the practices of highway agencies with regard to the types of cracking mitigation strategy used. Based on the results of the literature review and the survey questionnaire, a summarized assessment is presented for each reviewed treatment method. Further, a number of treatment methods were identified for further evaluation. For existing HMA pavements, crack sealing and overlay, chip seal and open-graded interlayers, full-depth reclamation, and cold-in place recycling are the most promising treatment methods. For existing PCC pavements, saw and seal, chip seal and open-graded interlayer systems, and rubblization are the most promising treatment methods. Based on the results of this study, the research team recommends that a follow-up study be conducted in order to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the most promising treatment methods and to develop guidelines for the control of reflection cracking. The developed crack control guidelines will present recommended treatment methods for different classes of rehabilitated pavements in order to achieve adequate control of reflection cracking in a cost effective manner.