Seasonal Changes in the Joint Performance of Thin Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Pavements and Overlays in Wet–Freeze Climate

Abstract

Thin fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) pavements and overlays are economical to construct and maintain when placed on low-to-moderate-traffic volume roads. The addition of structural fibers into these pavements is likely to increase joint load transfer and mitigate transverse joint faulting, which develops in these pavements in a wet–freeze climate. The incorporation of the fibers’ contribution to the transverse joint faulting mitigation in the mechanistic-empirical design of such pavements is indispensable. As such, it is essential to understand the different aspects of joint performance behaviors of these pavements and overlays, including the effect of environmental factors. Under the scope of this study, the effect of the seasonal change on joint performance in thin FRC pavements and overlays has been studied using results from a finite element study and falling-weight-deflectometer-measured deflection data. The findings of the study determined the magnitude of the difference in the joint performance between the seasons. Seasonal adjustment factors for the joint performance are established, which can be used in developing joint performance and faulting models for the thin FRC pavements and overlays for use in design procedures.