Types of Highway pavements
In general, there are two types of pavement structures flexible pavements and rigid pavements. There are, however, many variations of these pavement types. Composite pavements (which are made of both rigid and flexible pavement layers), continuously reinforced pavements, and post-tensioned pavements are other types, which usually require specialized designs and are not covered in this chapter. As with any structure, the underlying soil must ultimately carry the load that is placed on it. A pavement’s function is to distribute the traffic load stresses to the soil (subgrade) at a magnitude that will not shear or distort the soil.
Difference Between Flexible Pavement and Rigid Pavement
Flexible Pavements
Flexible pavement is constructed with asphaltic cement and aggregates and usually consists of several layers. The lower layer is called subgrade (the soil itself). The upper 6 to 8 inches of the subu\grade are usually stained and mixed to provide uniform material before it compacted to maximum density.
The next layer is the subbase, which usually consists of crushed aggregate (rock). This material has better engineering properties (higher modulus values) than the subgrade material in terms of its bearing capacity. The next layer is the base layer and is also often made of crushed aggregates (of a higher strength than those used in the subbase), which are either unstabilized or stabilized with cementing material.
The cementing material can be portland cement, lime fly ash, or asphaltic cement. The top layer of flexible pavement is referred to as the wearing surface. It is usually made of asphaltic concrete, which is a mixture of asphalt cement and aggregates. The purpose of the wearing layer is to protect the base layer from wheel friction and to waterproof the entire pavement structure.
It also provides a skid-resistant surface that is important for safe vehicle stops. These thicknesses vary with the type of axle loading, available materials, and expected pavement design life, which is the number of years the pavement is expected to provide adequate service before it must undergo major rehabilitation.
Flexible pavements are those with completely low or negligible flexural strength and are flexible in their structural action under load. The flexible pavement layers reflect the deformation of the lower layers on-to the surface old): layer. Thus if the bottom layer of the pavement or the lower layer of soil subgrade is untouched. The surface of the flexible pavement also becomes unobstructed.
Components of typical flexible pavement :
- soil subarade
- sub-base course
- base course and 11% surface course.
The flexible pavement layers transmit the vertical or compressive stresses to the tosser layers by grain to grain transfer through the points of contact in the granular structure A compacted granular structure consisting of a strong graded aggregate (interlocked composite structure with or without binder material) can transfer compressive stress through a wide area and thus forms a good flexible pavement layer.
The load spreading capacity of this layer therefore depends on the type of material and the mixture design factors. bituminous concrete is one of the best flexible pavement materials Other materials which fall under the group are all granular materials with or without bituminous binder, granular sub-base course materials like the Water Bound Macadam, crushed aggregate, gravel, soil-aggregate mixes etc.
Flexible and Rigid pavement |
Advantages of flexible pavements
- Smoother ride, Again the bounce.
- Less wear/maintenance to vehicle and fuel consumption.
- Less wear to the tyre, the difference in hardness.
- Repairs are cheaper, require less downtime and easier.
- Initial construction cost is low in medium to hard soil
Disadvantage of flexible pavements
- Their maintenance cost is high.
- Shorter lifespan than rigid pavement.
- Requires frequent maintenance, which increases costs.
- Susceptible to oil stains and damage from other chemicals.
- Edges are weak and therefore require curb structures or edging.
Advantages of Rigid Pavement
- Rigid pavement have a long life and durable.
- They provide an excellent riding surface under all weather condition.
- No corrugations are developed in cement concrete roads.
- They can be laid on any sub-grade.
- They provide good visibility for traffic during night hours.
- They are practically non-slippery and offer less tractive resistance.
Disadvantage of Rigid Pavements
- The initial cost of Rigid pavement construction is very high.
- They require skilled supervision and labour for their construction.
- Concrete pavements are liable to crack and warp due to temperature variations.
- They may cause glare due to reflected sunlight.
Read more : What are the Properties of a good bituminous mix in highway Engineering
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