Les resurfaçages minces adhérents en béton renforcé de fibres comme méthode de réhabilitation des chaussées de béton

Abstract

The progressive and rapid deterioration of cement concrete road systems makes frequent rehabilitation necessary if an acceptable level of service is to be maintained. When a road's structural capacity is still satisfactory, simple resurfacing to correct surface faults is an acceptable option. Several different types of resurfacing are possible, depending on adhesion developed at the interface. Dimensioning and selection of application techniques are still today purely empirical matters. However, major discoveries have been made about the behaviour of overlays, especially regarding cracking. For example, reflection in the overlay of the cracks of the old pavement is inevitable with a bonded interface. The old cracks must, therefore, be repaired first. However, with steel fibre reinforced concrete, the knitting effect of the fibres will stabilize the cracks. Road-work performed along autoroute 40 in the suburbs of Montreal provided an opportunity to monitor the behaviour of a thin bonded overlay of fibre-reinforced concrete. Examination of the road more than 2 years after it was recommissioned clearly indicated that the fibres had a positive effect on the condition of the road. Key words: rehabilitation, resurfacing, roads, concrete, steel fibre, cracking, bonding. [Journal translation]