Concrete paving blocks: an overview.

204 Pages·1.9 MB·en_US

by  Abate, Michael K.

8$nU* CA 93943-5101

CONCRETE PAVING BLOCKS
AN OVERVIEW
by
LT MICHAEL K. ABATE, CEC, USN
A report submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
University ofWashington
1993

DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
MONTEREY CA 93943-5101
ABSTRACT
There is a widespread perception in the U.S. that a concrete block pavement (CBP) is
an untried pavement alternative. However, each year more of these pavements are
being installed. The available literature concerning this type of pavement is limited in
the U.S. as most research papers are published elsewhere. This report examines CBP's
from several perspectives in order to provide an overview of this alternative pavement
technology. First, the CBP system is described. The importance of using the proper
bedding sand gradations is stressed and the phenomenon of lock-up, or interlock, is
explained. The various design methods for CBP's are also presented. Here, the
concept of equivalency factors is discussed. Next, the structural performance of
several CBP projects varying from 1 to 10 years are reviewed. Finally, the range of
CBP costs in the Puget Sound area are provided, and a review of those prices paid by
WSDOT for asphaltic concrete and Portland cement concrete is made to determine cost
competitiveness with a CBP.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
List of Figures iii
List of Tables iv
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Chapter 2: The Concrete Paving Block System. 4
Paver Decscription 4
Shapes, Sizes, and Laying Pattern 4
Edge Restraints 5
Base/Subbase Construction 6
Bedding Sand 6
Bedding Sand Thickness 6
Bedding Sand Gradation 7
Jointing Sand 8
Installation 9
Joint Sealing 11
Paver Lock-Up 12
Chapter Summary 13
Chapter 3: Concrete Block Pavement Design. 23
Introduction 23
CBP Design Methods 23
Experience Based Designs 23
Empirical Designs 24
Modified Existing Flexible Pavement Designs 24
Mechanistic Designs 28
Overlay Designs 29
Chapter Summary 30
Chapter 4: Concrete Block Pavement Performance 41
Introduction 41
CBP Structural Performance 42
CBP Structural Performance Characteristics 42
CBP Distress Types 43
CBP Performance Evaluations 44
Additional Factors Affecting Performance 47
Chapter Summary 48
Chapter 5: Concrete Block Pavement Costs 55
Introduction 55
CBP Costs 55
CBP Comparisons 57