Interim Assessment of Expected Structural Life of Pre-Cast Concrete Pavement Slabs

This document presents partial results of the HVS Test 597FD. The results are partial because they comprise only the HVS test in dry conditions, and not the continuation of the test performed with the addition of water at the joints for accelerated damage. The first draft of this documented was submitted to Caltrans in October 2005. The test had taken place between June 8 and September 20, 2005. Almost 1.24 millions wheel load repetitions were applied to the pavement during that period. Load levels of 60, 80, 120, and 150kN were progressively applied through an aircraft tire with 1,400kPa of pressure (209psi). Structural corner cracks were first observed at about 762,000 repetitions and were fully developed at 845,000 load repetitions. A significant increase in the joint deflection was observed, but it did not result in any terminal failures of the pavement. Given the design of the pre-cast PCC pavement tested at the San Bernardino test site, the tight control over the construction process, and the favorable HVS test conditions, no premature failure is anticipated with the use of the pre-cast PCC pavement on actual rehabilitation projects. The ultimate structural capacity of the system will probably exceed 40 million ESALS. The structural capacity of the system will, however, have to be determined for a range of support and environmental conditions before it can be used with absolute certainty.