Enhanced performance criteria for acceptance of rigid pavement patching materials used in cold climate regions

Abstract

The primary goal for this study was to develop an enhanced testing regimen for the approval of rapid set cementitious products to be used as patching materials in rigid pavements. A twofold testing procedure was used in conducting the research on the selected materials. The beginning phase of the project focused on the standard acceptance criteria used by most departments of transportation. An additional set of tests were conducted to formulate a plan for future testing procedures and acceptance criteria for patch materials to be used in colder climates.The research conducted for this study provided insight as to which tests should be conducted during the acceptance process for rapid set cementitious materials. The current criterion (ASTM C928) for accepting these materials was found to be inadequate, especially for use in colder climate regions. Data analysis discovered various correlations between some of the tests that were performed. These findings allowed certain tests to be removed from the testing regimen. The tests that are recommended to be implemented for the acceptance of patching materials in colder climates include: compressive strength test at 3 hours and 28 days, shrinkage testing, freeze-thaw testing with reports on mass loss and initial dynamic modulus, setting times, modulus of elasticity and consistency/work-ability of concrete. The study also indicated that certain tests may be unnecessary, these include: flexural strength, coefficient of thermal expansion, and abrasion resistance. More research is necessary to expand the data set and reinforce the findings from this study.