Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
1998
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Abstract
Pumping and faulting of undoweled Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements has become a serious problem in South Dakota. Repair techniques to correct these distresses include diamond grinding, full/partial depth repairs, load transfer restoration, installation of edge drains, crack sealing, joint resealing, and slab stabilization (undersealing). Undersealing can be described as a method where a flowable mixture is pumped under the slab to fill the voids and restore support to the pavement. There is considerable disagreement within the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SD DOT) as to the use and effectiveness of undersealing as a rehabilitation technique. The objectives of this research was to describe the deterioration of load transfer and the development of faulting on undersealed and non-undersealed PCC pavements, to determine the effectiveness of undersealing, to determine when and where undersealing is appropriate, and to develop design, construction, and inspection guidelines for undersealing. This work included a review of the literature relevant to undersea ling; a national survey of current highway undersealing practices for PCC pavements; and field evaluation of four projects which were undersealed in South Dakota in 1987, 1989, 1992, and 1993. Research results indicate that all undersealed pavement sections performed better than non-undersealed pavement sections. Lower faulting and corner deflections and higher load transfer efficiency values were generally obtained for the undersealed pavements. Best performance was obtained immediately after grouting, and performance generally degraded with time. Undersealing was effective in filling voids beneath the slabs as evidenced by the removal of two concrete panels. However, the cement-fly ash grout was generally cracked, suggesting that the grout may not be durable for long-term performance. Undersealing, when done in conjunction with other rehabilitation techniques, can provide more than seven years of service life until additional rehabilitation or complete reconstruction is warranted.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Pavements, Concrete -- South Dakota -- Maintenance and repair Sealing compounds
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
219
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Carlson, Kevin, "Assessment of the Effectiveness of Undersealing of Undoweled Plain Jointed Portland Cement Concrete Pavements in South Dakota" (1998). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 523.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/523