Great Unsealing: A Perspective on PCC Joint Sealing

摘要

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has been studying the effectof Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) joint/crack sealing on total pavement performance for 50 years. By 1967 there was substantial documentation that filling and refilling of contraction joints had no beneficial effect on pavement performance. By 1984, it was concluded that pavements with unsealed joints had better overall performance (distress, ride, materials integrity) than pavements with sealed joints. In 1990, WisDOT passed a policy eliminating all PCC joint sealing (in new construction and maintenance). This 'no-seal' policy has saved Wisconsin $6,000,000 annually with no loss in pavement performance and with increased customer safety and convenience. The entire PCC sealing issue is beginning to be addressed at the national level, assuring no false assumptions, and the the customer's needs in view.