Continuously Reinforced Semi-Rigid Pavements – Experiment and Development

The continuously-reinforced semi-rigid structure consists basically of a thick structural layer placed directly on the foundation when it is made of untreated, permeable materials, or on a draining layer of geotextile when it is treated. This layer is made of concrete having a low cement content and cracking is rnntrnlled by the incorporation of reinforcements as in continuously reinforced concrete. The wearing course consists for example of a very thin bituminous concrete (VTBC); this wearing course can be matched to the particular needs of the site: free-draining coated materials, surface dressing, etc. In the context of the development of this semi-rigid structure several experiments are being carried out; first results are described.