THE OHIO HPCP JOINT SEALANT EXPERIMENT

Abstract

This Paper describes the design and construction of the Ohio U.S. 50 test pavement, a project intended to evaluate concrete pavement performance in connection with various sealant types and joint configurations in the Wet-Freeze climatic zone. Unsealed transverse joints are also included in the experimental factorial. Monitoring activities are discussed and the sealant performance to date is summarized. It is reported that significant mid-slab cracking has been observed in the test pavement, but that this distress appears unrelated to the performance of the sealant treatments. The latter retain an overall effectiveness between 40 and 75% in the eastbound lanes after two years of service, with compression seals outperforming silicone and hot-pour sealants.