REHABILITATION OF FAULTED JOINTS IN RIGID PAVEMENTS

Faulting at transverse joints and cracks in rigid pavements is a common problem not only in New York but across the United States and Canada. This report summarizes New York State current practices and past research, as well as results of a survey of methods of other transportation agencies in dealing with this problem. Many techniques are being used, both short- and long-term. Among the former are slab grinding, thin flexible overlays, and slab shimming (either with asphalt cement concrete or through microsurfacing with a latex-modified asphalt emulsion). Among long-term solutions are slab grinding, thicker flexible overlays (either alone or in conjunction with cracking/breaking-and-seating, rubblizing or undersealing), rigid overlays, retrofitting load-transfer devices, slab lifting, and joint replacement. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and should be evaluated according to each agency's experience and preferences.