The performance of joint sealants and the structural condition of the pavement at the Ohio Route 50 test site after 3 years in service are reported. The project involved 10 different sealant compounds (4 silicone, 2 hot-applied, and 4 compression seals) and 4 unsealed sections. A total of 15 different sealant-joint configuration combinations are examined. Compression seals generally outperformed the other sealants, and sealants in the westbound lanes were more effective than those in the east-bound lanes. These observations suggest that crew experience in sealant installation is a critical factor. Nonetheless, structural performance and surface profile smoothness appeared to be unrelated to sealant condition. Many of the sealant sections with high effectiveness values also exhibited high percentages of structural distresses and decreases in pavement surface smoothness. Flooding after intense rainfall may have softened the subgrade and caused transverse cracking and corner breaks. Implementing a drainage outlet maintenance program that includes cleaning silt and debris from the outlets annually is recommended. Unraveling the complex interactions of all these factors calls for long-term monitoring of both sealant and structural performance.
Joint Sealant and Structural Performance at the Ohio Route 50 Test Pavement
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board ; 1866 , 1 ; 28-35
2004-01-01
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Joint Sealant and Structural Performance at the Ohio Route 50 Test Pavement
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