Rubblization of Concrete Pavements: Field Investigation

Abstract

Substantial resources are required to preserve aging highway systems. Various alternatives have been used for the rehabilitation of concrete pavements, including bonded and unbonded overlays, full-depth repair, crack and seat and asphalt overlay, joint and crack repairs, asphalt overlay, and rubblization with asphalt surface overlay. Presented are the results of extensive field investigation of rubblized concrete pavements. Various trenches were made in the rubblized pavements before the asphalt surface was placed. Some trenches were made at midslab, and others were made at old joints and cracks. In some trenches, permeability tests were conducted. Advantages and shortcomings of the rubblization procedures are presented and discussed. It is shown that well-executed rubblization procedures lead to durable pavements and that, for certain concrete pavements, rubblization is not a viable option because it may lead to inadequate pavement performance.