A New Rigid Pavement Constructive Method Using Hexagonals Slabs

This paper describes a new rigid pavement constructive method employing hexagonals slabs, being the angle betwen the edges of the slabs at each corner, 120 degrees. This paper is based on the one titled ´´ NEW JOINTS IN RIGID PAVEMENT - HIGHWAY AND AIRPORT´´, of the 8th International Symposium on concrete roads,Lisbon, Portugal. The mathematic demostration exposed in that paper concluded that the tensile stress at the corners of the hexagonals slabs is 42,3 % less than those of square slabs. Because it is very difficult or almost impossible to saw joints at angles other than 90 degrees in rigid pavement, a new constructive method becomes necessary. This new method involves the use of non-reusable metal or plastic elements at the corners and edges of the slabs, that will remain lost in the estructure of the pavement. Those elements will cover several functions: 1. Constitutes the form for spreading the concrete. 2. Gives the proper elevation and thickness of the slabs. 3. Yield loads transfers betwen slabs. 4. It is not necesary to saw joints. 5. It is not necesary to seal the joints. 6. No construction joint needed at the end of the labor day. 120.000 m2 of hexagonals slabs rigid pavement has been constructed with this method in Argentina in the last three years. Because of the decrease in the tensile stress using hexagonals slabs, a 24% reduction in the required thickness of the concrete pavement was obtained.