Source: Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) Research & Education Foundation, Silver Spring, Md.
Developed at the Texas Transportation Institute, “Design Methodology for Subgrades and Bases Under Concrete Roads” and “Parking Lots and Test Methods & Results of Erosion Potential of Commonly Used Subgrade and Base Materials” are the culmination of research on best practices for identifying potential erosion problems before pavement is placed, and avoiding costs in overdesigned subbases.
“Identifying and designing for potential problems, namely faulting—a primary mechanism of failure in pavements—gives designers the opportunity to provide a better end product and offers a means to represent our product to the marketplace in a stronger light,” says Foundation Chairman Timothy Becken (Cemstone Products). “These resources allow designers to predict faulting to circumvent premature eroding of the subbase while optimizing the subbase and concrete sections. This saves money due to overdesign and gives owners the best value as they save money initially during the construction phase and have better performing pavements for minimal long-term maintenance.”
“These new reports are an excellent example of how the Foundation is helping to improve concrete as an application, benefitting everyone involved, especially the end users,” adds RMC Foundation Executive Director Julie Garbini.
The research and reports were reviewed by pavement professionals who offered their guidance and expertise to ensure a high-quality final product. Copies of the reports can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website, www.rmc-foundation.org, obtained on CD or as hardcopies.