Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Over the past several decades, there have been significant advancements in the technology and resources for concrete pavement design and construction. Today's concrete must integrate various materials, which can result in compatibility problems. In addition, the concrete pavement surface must be durable, high performing, quiet, smooth and safe. Futhermore, motorists are intolerant of road closures and delays associated with repair and rehabilitation, resulting in increasing the need for new paving methods and materials such as fast track products that allow crews to get in, get out and stay out. These new methods must incorporate different design methods, systems, materials and equipment. This reserach project is directed at integrating mixtures and materials, design, and construction with pavement sustainability and performance prediction. The research program is aimed at improving concrete pavement design and performance by addressing the durability of materials, structural and functional design, construction, maintenance, in-service performance including the noise level and safety aspects (specifically, skid resistance). It is also intended that the program ill identify new and innovative maintenance, preservation and rehabilitation techniques that result in long lasting concrete pavement. This will consider materials such as pervious concrete, fast track concrete repair products and design and construction practices (i.e. tining practices, pavement texture and friction) which would extend life and provide cost savings. The research projects within this proposal are directed at improving concrete pavement performance in Canada through improved design, construction and maintenance. The Cement Association of Canada (CAC), the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO), several Canadian cities and municipalities and various ready mixed concrete companies have been consulted in the preparation of this research to ensure the key issues are being addressed in this research plan.