Concrete modular pavement type selection based on application area

Abstract

Roads and other trafficked areas infrastructure starts to deteriorate as far as it is opened to traffic. Thus, it has to be timely repaired and reconstructed. However, any interruption to traffic by implementing repair and rehabilitation works leads to user’s discomfort and traffic congestion. Modular pavements also known as precast concrete pavements can be constructed at night, consequently they eliminate or reduce traffic flow limitation related to repair works. They consist of prefabricated concrete slabs that are transported to the construction site only after the curing period when the desirable concrete strength is achieved and installed on a prepared foundation. Slabs prefabrication in a plant results in better concrete quality, controlled concrete curing conditions, wider period for pavement construction, reduced time before opening to traffic, elimination of early-age failures and material segregation which may occur during concrete or asphalt mixture transportation to the project site and laying. Despite these advantageous, modular pavements are barely used in Europe. In order to enhance the usage of modular pavements in Europe, paper focuses on the identification of the most promising modular pavements application areas and their type selection. The most promising application areas such as motorways and arterial streets were identified on the basis of the conducted survey among high qualified researchers. Low volume roads, private roads, bicycle and pedestrian paths could be included as modular pavements special application areas with slightly different approach.