CONCRETE HIGHWAY PAVEMENTS IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

Since 1975, the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has promoted the increased use of concrete pavements throughout the state of New South Wales (NSW). In the period up to mid-1993, approximately 1300 lane-km of concrete pavement have been constructed. The Australian industry expanded rapidly in an environment which is geographically remote from overseas areas of long­ standing experience such as the USA and Western Europe. The adoption of this relatively new technology in the Australian context attracted close attention from both the media and the travelling public. Neither group is tolerant of difficulties associated with the "learning curve" process and it has therefore been a major priority to implement and refine good design and construction practices as rapidly as possible. Current Australian practice reflects a blending of local experience with that from leading overseas authorities. (17) This paper summarises local developments in Australian concrete pavement technology since the mid 1970's and discusses the major lessons learnt from both the achievements and the problems encountered along the way.