Structural behavior of concrete block paving. II: Concrete blocks

In concrete block pavements, the blocks make up the wearing surface and are a major load-spreading component of the pavement. Earlier findings were inconsistent with respect to the deflection response of concrete blocks in the pavement. This paper presents the results of a series of tests conducted to assess the influences of block shape, thickness, size, compressive strength, and laying patterns on the overall pavement performance. The test setup discussed in the companion paper was used to study these factors based on static plate loading. The effect of load repetition on the pavement behavior is discussed. The behavior of test pavements is characterized in terms of deflection. The applied load was increased in 10 KN increments, from zero to one-half the single axle legal limit. It is found that shape, size, and thickness of blocks have a significant influence on the behavior of block pavement.