Experimental evaluation of crack width movement of continuously reinforced concrete pavement under environmental load

This study investigates movements of transverse crack width of the continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) subjected to environmental loads such as changes in temperature. To this end, in-situ experiments were carried out at several highway CRCP sections. The crack width movements were analyzed along the vertical, transverse and longitudinal directions to comprehensively understand the crack width behaviors of CRCP. The effects of design related variables such as steel ratio and base layer type and performance related variables such as crack spacing and crack occurrence time on crack width movements were evaluated. Based on the findings from this comprehensive experimental study concerning crack widths, suggestions were proposed to improve the performance of CRCP.