Measuring and modeling the effects of the ambient-environment on concrete pavements constitutes a research priority of the UCPRC. The ambient-environmental actions produce changes in concrete temperature and/or pore water content and the subsequent hydrothermal deformation results in tensile stresses and loss of slab support while lessening the capacity of the contiguous slabs to work together to resist traffic loading. In dry climates, as in many California regions, these actions may be more detrimental to pavement performance than actual traffic. This report presents a comprehensive evaluation of the structural response of concrete pavement slabs subjected to ambient environmental actions. Experimental data come from six concrete overlay of asphalt pavements built with rapid strength concrete mixtures and instrumented with 245 sensors. The response measured with these sensors during 15 months is analyzed in this research.
Report link: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5hx556j4