OPTIMIZATION OF HIGHWAY CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY

This report provides (1) state-of-the-art information on new developments in portland cement concrete materials and applications to users in the highway agencies; and (2) new materials and testing methodologies for a variety of important highway and bridge rehabilitation applications. The report includes a condensation of the state-of-the-art synthesis of concrete highway technology prepared as part of this research project. Descriptions of evaluation of test methods for in-place concrete density with the use of nuclear methods and determination of water content of fresh concrete using microwave drying are also incorporated in the report. Guidelines are summarized for avoiding thermal effects in concrete pavement slab placements and packing-based aggregate proportioning for concrete mixtures. Field evaluations are described of a variety of concrete mixes used for early opening of full depth concrete pavement repairs and bridge deck overlays. Brief descriptions of the methodology and content of the HWYCON expert system available from SHRP (Strategic Highway Research Program) are also included. A description is given of the contents of audiovisual implementation packages for highway personnel dealing with materials testing and pavement and bridge rehabilitation.