Forensic Investigation of Ultra-Thin Whitetopping Failures in Taiwan
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 19, Issue 2
Abstract
This paper addresses the causes of the premature failures observed on newly constructed ultra-thin whitetopping (UTW) sections. The key factors contributing to premature failure were high pouring temperature and an insufficient underlying asphalt layer. Severe cracking and deep rutting were observed on sections placed during the daytime when the weather was hot and dry. Pouring temperature was even more critical when river gravel aggregate was used because it has a high thermal coefficient of expansion. Also, a low water-cement ratio magnified the effect of thermal cracking at high pouring temperature. On the basis of field results, it was found that the use of high-strength concrete should be discouraged when the pour temperature is high, since high shrinkage and premature cracking can result. It was concluded that the deep rutting was caused by the pumping of fines from the underlying base layer, in locations where there was no erosion-resistant asphalt layer. Sections poured at temperatures below with of underlying asphalt performed well, and those two criteria are recommended for future UTW application.
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Acknowledgments
This study was partly supported by the Kaohsiung City government. The writers express their sincere thanks to Dr. Dar-Hao Chen and Mr. G. M. Huang for their editorial comments and suggestions. The assistance of Mr. R. C. Jeng and Mr. M. C. Yeh in some portions of the experiments is greatly appreciated.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 19 • Issue 2 • May 2005
Pages: 165 - 171
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 29, 2003
Accepted: Jun 24, 2003
Published online: May 1, 2005
Published in print: May 2005
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