Framework for incorporation of spalling in design of concrete pavements

A framework that can be used to incorporate crack spalling in the design of concrete pavements is proposed. Crack spalling is a common form of distress in concrete pavements. However, available literature on the modeling of spalling is limited to some regression-based models developed for jointed concrete pavements. On the basis of comprehensive field surveys and results from analysis of pavement condition survey data for continuously reinforced concrete pavements, several factors have been identified as excellent predictors of spalling, allowing the proposal of the design framework leading to a mechanistic spalling model to predict crack spalling. The design framework presented incorporates survival analysis, which is a statistical technique based on failure-time theory and reliability. The results obtained by the use of this technique provide the pavement engineer with the information required to assess the survivability of the pavement from spalling and the predicted level of spalling at a certain age, both simply and succinctly. Because the proposed statistical technique can be effectively used for other forms of pavement distress as well, a detailed description of the mathematical development of the model is also included for better understanding of the principles involved.

Framework for incorporation of spalling in design of concrete pavements Academic Article