Florida Econocrete Test Road A 10-year Progress Report

Abstract

The Florida Econocrete Test Road was designed and constructed in response to the energy crisis of the 1970's. In addition to using econocrete bases with 3-in concrete pavements, several experimental features were included. Among those were the principle of elastic joints applied to the pavement-base interface, the CRCP, and to specially designed dowels. Thin unbonded reinforced pavements were also included. Common variables were joint spacings of 15-ft. and 20-ft., and skewed as well as transverse joints. The 10 year performance study was based on structural response in load-deflection tests and performance rating using the Mays Meter. All concrete sections were compared to a standard concrete pavPment section as then built by the Florida Department of Transportation. The experimental sections generally performed equivalent or better than the concrete reference section. The study also included asphalt pavements placed on econocrete base structures. These sections were compared to an asphalt reference section as presently built by the Department. Again, the experimental sections fared well when compared to the reference section.