Materials selection for concrete overlays

Abstract

Concrete overlays have been a rehabilitation method for many years. It has been extensively utilized and studied in other states, but Texas is still at an initial stage of fully implementing the method. The large volume of concrete highways in Texas makes bonded concrete overlays, unbonded concrete overlays, and whitetoppings very viable options. However, there is a lack of educational guidelines for pavement engineers for concrete overlay construction. This research presents the information gathered from literature review, condition survey, and evaluation of existing concrete overlays in Texas. Also, a laboratory research was performed for recommendations for materials selection and construction for concrete overlays. From these, guidelines for materials selection and construction method developed that will assist in future concrete overlays in Texas are presented.