Structural Fiber Choice For Thin Concrete Pavements  Can have a Significant impact on Qualit

In today’s dwindling budgeting scenario, state DOTs strive for long-lasting pavement rehabilitation alternatives that require less in future maintenance dollars.

Thin concrete overlays are one such economic rehabilitation alternative for moderately distressed concrete and asphalt pavements.The thickness of these types of concrete overlays varies from 3-6 in. When the thickness is less than or equal to 4 in., they are referred to as ultra-thin overlays; otherwise they are known as thin concrete overlays.

Due to the inherent tendency of thin concrete layers to warp and curl because of environmental effects, thin concrete overlays are often constructed with small-sized panels. Also, because of the thickness limitations, thin concrete overlays are mostly constructed without dowel bars spanning the transverse joints; many transportation agencies use the structural fiber to act as “dowel bars.