Joints in Rigid Pavement - Transportation Engineering

We know that rigid pavement is constructed using reinforced cement concrete. One of the main factors affecting the destruction of concrete is shrinkage and cracks. To limit this, we know that we will provide some joints in buildings construction and others.

The above same scenario is also applicable while we construct rigid pavements. Here we are going to discuss about the joints that we will provide in rigid pavements.

Types of joints in rigid pavement

1.Expansion Joint

The purpose of the expansion joint is to allow expansion of concrete during rising in temperature with respect to construction temperature. The design consideration are as follows

They are provided along with longitudinal directions

Design involves finding the joint spacing for a given expansion joint thickness subjected to some spacing of expansion joints as 140m as per IRC. The design is based on maximum temperature variation, the width of joints and dowel bars placed.

2.Contraction Joints

The purpose of contraction joints is to allow the contraction of the slab due to the fall in slab temperature below the construction temperature. The design considerations are

The movement is restricted by subgrade friction.

Design involves the length of the slab given by

3. Longitudinal Joints

Longitudinal joints are required when pavement width is more than 4.5m. Across longitudinal joints, tie bars are provided

These are the main types of joints in the rigid pavement. If you have any doubt, please free to mail me.

Read more: Different methods of construction of roads