Impact of Materials and Construction Variability on the Performance of Pavements

Abstract

Significant variability exists in everything associated with pavements but in particular, materials and construction (M&C) factors. Major sources include (1) variability along the project in layer thickness, initial smoothness, strength, dowel placement, etc., and (2) the difference between what is specified or designed and what is actually constructed in the field. Variation causes localized areas of the pavement to be “weaker” than other areas and these areas fail first either from structural deficiencies or disintegration from durability deficiencies and either results in “early” failures requiring maintenance repairs and “early” rehabilitation of the project. The project then experiences increased life cycle costs and often additional safety risks over time. The importance of variation reduction is recognized in all areas of manufacturing and construction as a critical activity to reduce failure, improve product performance, and lower future maintenance and rehabilitation costs. This paper describes types of concrete pavement variability, its effects, and illustrates how variability reduction leads to longer pavement life.