ABSTRACT
Thin bonded asphalt and thicker, unbonded concrete overlays for concrete pavements can offer some benefits to worn concrete pavements such as restore skid resistance and riding quality as well as reduce routine maintenance. Continuously Reinforced Bonded Concrete Overlays (CRBCO) can offer all the above plus a 'greener' and sustainable solution to the problem of rigid road and airfield repairs, because they make use of the remaining strength of the worn pavement. Hence, they can offer both, real savings as well as environmental benefits over the wholesale demolition, removal and complete reconstruction of the existing pavement. This paper is the introduction of a research study dealing with the development of CRBCO as a new material and method of construction. It demonstrates that it is possible to go for a wholesale replacement of the traditional steel reinforcement with new, innovative, corrosion free, easier and faster to apply synthetic alternatives and at the same time make a positive contribution to flexural resistance, crack control, shear and bond strength of the rehabilitated pavement. Finally, it stresses the need for further research for the new material and method to become widely applicable. It is hoped that the advent of more high-quality, high-tensile strength concretes and techniques, such as high-speed paving and roller compaction, combined with careful attention to all the design requirements will enable pavement engineers to exploit the advantages in terms of economy, convenience and long maintenance-free, greener life which CRBCO could offer in the future.
