Elimination of Sharp Inconsistency between Actual Situation and Theoretical Model in Cement Concrete Pavement

Aiming at the frequent occurrence of cement concrete pavement failure, the authors have for the first time raised queries about the three idealized prerequisites for the related traditional theoretical model of cement concrete pavement and carried out research. Mechanism analysis exposes: interaction between the pavement slab and base course will lead to three basic inter-layer failure types whose development and evolution subvert the three prerequisites and cause sharp inconsistency between the actual situation and the theoretical model, thus causing considerable pavement deterioration. Lab tests show that the actual carrying capacity of pavement is less than half of the theoretical one after the three basic failure types emerge, while field investigation indicates that the actual inter-layer failure is more serious. To eliminate the said inconsistency, the authors have put forward a solution, namely, a waterproof separation membrane placed between the slab and base, which will prevent the occurrence of the three basic inter-layer failure types, make the three idealized prerequisites well conform to the actual pavement conditions, and avoid the widespread pavement distresses.