NEW TECHNOLOGIES BOOST CONCRETE PAVEMENT SMOOTHNESS

Abstract

This article describes new techniques for achieving smoothness in Portland Cement Concrete pavements and setting specifications. Stringlines have the greatest effect on smoothness and should be placed with care. Aircraft cable is preferable to rope because it can be tensioned without breaking. But to place them properly can be costly. Stringless methods might be even more attractive, because they would be more precise and cost less to administer. Robotic total station controls are being tested to guide horizontal and vertical alignments of a paver. A new generation of lightweight profiling devices can measure roughness more accurately and more rapidly. With increased use of these new techniques, there is movement away from the old Roughness Index (RI) gauge to the International Roughness Index (IRI). Finally, the effect of curing compounds on long-term roughness is being studied, with results suggesting that extra compound can create smoother pavement over the long term.