19. Introduction to pavement design
The chapter outlines the principles and requirements of pavement design, focusing on its structural performance and types. It distinguishes between flexible and rigid pavements, detailing their construction layers, functions, and potential failures. The importance of proper design is emphasized to prevent early pavement failures affecting riding quality.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Pavements must distribute vehicle loads to the sub-grade without exceeding its bearing capacity.
- There are two main types of pavements: flexible and rigid, each with distinct characteristics and structural layers.
- Pavement failures can arise from multiple factors, including improper design, insufficient materials, and inadequate maintenance.
Key Concepts
- -- Flexible Pavements
- Pavements that transmit wheel load stresses through grain-to-grain contact in a granular structure, typically made of bituminous materials.
- -- Rigid Pavements
- Pavements that use Portland cement concrete, capable of spreading load stresses across a wider area due to their flexural strength.
- -- Pavement Layers
- Different layers in a pavement system, including surface course, binder course, base course, and sub-base, each serving specific structural and drainage functions.
- -- Pavement Failure Types
- Common failures in pavements include fatigue cracking, rutting, and thermal cracking, resulting from stress and strain beyond acceptable limits.
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