Understanding Paving Design
Proper concrete paving calculations ensure durability and performance.
- Design Parameters Thickness: 4-8". Width: 10-12' lanes. Cross slope: 1-2%. Crown: 1/4"/ft. Joint spacing: 12-15'. Edge thickness: 1.5× center. Subbase: 4-6".
- Material Specifications Concrete: 4000-4500 psi. Air: 6±1%. Slump: 2-4". Fiber: 3-5 lbs/yd³. W/C ratio: 0.45 max. Aggregate: #57 stone. Sand: FM 2.6-3.1.
- Load Requirements Cars: AASHTO H-10. Trucks: H-20. Aircraft: FAA specs. Traffic: >500 ADT. ESALs: 50,000-5M. CBR: >5%. k-value: >150 pci.
- Joint Details Contraction: T/3 depth. Expansion: 3/4" wide. Dowels: 18" O.C. Tie bars: 30" O.C. Sealant: hot-pour. Sawcut: 4-12 hrs. Backer rod: 1/8" below.
Construction Guide
Site Preparation
Subgrade: 95% compaction. Base: 100% density. Grade tolerance: ±0.02'. String line both edges. Vapor barrier commercial. Forms: steel preferred.
Placement Methods
Slip form: >10,000 ft². Fixed form: <10,000 ft². Strike off: mechanical. Cure: white pigment. Texture: broom or tine. Protection: 7 days.
Cost Analysis
Residential: $6-8/ft². Commercial: $8-12/ft². Industrial: $10-15/ft². Joints: $2-4/LF. Prep: $2-3/ft². Maintenance: $0.20/ft²/year.
Quality Control
Strength: 28-day test. Thickness: ±1/4". Smoothness: 1/4" in 10'. Joint alignment: ±1/4". Grade: ±0.02'. Surface texture: >0.025" deep.