Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is used as the primary overlying material of concrete pavements during rehabilitation because of its inexpensive nature when compared to most Portland cement concrete (PCC) rehabilitation/reconstruction alternatives. However, due to the majority of the PCC pavements being in average to poor condition, many HMA overlays are exposed to extreme movements (both vertical and horizontal). The combination of associated load and environmentally induced movements creates complex stresses and strains in the vicinity of expansion joints and cracks in the PCC, thus dramatically reducing the life of the HMA overlay, typically in the form of reflective cracking. Reflective cracking is a fatigue cracking distress, which is initiated at the bottom of the HMA overlay and propagates to the surface. When the crack reaches the HMA overlay surface, not only does it affect the ride quality and overall integrity of the pavement surface, but it also creates a path for which water can migrate down into and below the PCC layer. This can ultimately reduce the overall structural support of the composite (HMA and PCC) pavement and result in a complete pavement failure. Medium to high severity reflective cracking results in poor surface conditions that could lead to poor driving conditions and higher accident rates. Therefore, this research is timely in that it not only addresses the structural integrity of the pavement system, but also the safety of the driving public, which is one of the main objectives of the administration at state agencies. To better understand the mechanisms associated with the development of reflective cracking, an extensive literature review was conducted. Analysis of the literature review indicated significant gaps in the current state of the practice in using bituminous overlays on PCC pavements. To fill in these gaps, a survey was developed, distributed to the state transportation agencies of all fifty states, and compiled to better define the scope of the research. The survey clearly identified that a major gap in the current state of the practice is linking the field conditions (climate, deflections, traffic levels) to appropriate laboratory testing protocols. Therefore, field test sections were selected with appropriate field forensic testing and traffic collection. During construction of the bituminous overlays, loose mix was collected and brought back to the laboratory for material characterization testing that would simulate the loading conditions associated with the respective test section. The research conducted during the development of this thesis has led to a rational approach in the prediction of reflective cracking potential in HMA overlays placed on PCC pavements. This methodology utilizes field forensic information that would normally be collected during the evaluation of the PCC/composite pavement prior to rehabilitation and laboratory fatigue and stiffness characterization of the HMA mixture(s), to predict the potential for reflective cracking in the bituminous overlay mixture(s). The extensive laboratory testing and field calibration/verification information utilized in the research has also led to "decision tree" methodology that would allow state agencies to properly select asphalt mixtures for overlaying PCC pavements.

Crack reflection through a road structure is one of the main causes of premature pavement deterioration. This is a widespread problem in many countries and highway maintenance authorities are having to find economic means of repairing and upgrading their pavements. This book is the eagerly awaited state-of-the-art report which considers all different aspects of the subject including assessment and use of overlay systems.

Studies of efforts in Virginia to reduce the incidence of reflection cracking when portland cement concrete pavements or bases are overlayed with asphaltic concrete are reported. The methods of reflection crack reduction discussed are: (1) The use of sand as a bond breaker between portland cement concrete pavements and asphaltic overlays, (2) the use of a high tensile strength fabric as a stress relieving layer between two asphaltic concrete overlays of an old portland cement concrete pavement on a weak subbase, and (3) the use of two types of fabric as stress relieving layers between asphaltic layers and a concrete base on a very strong subbase and subgrade. The following conclusions were drawn. 1. Neither sand as a bond breaker nor high strength fabrics as stress relieving layers are effective in reducing reflection cracking where vertical joint movement (differential deflection) is a significant factor. 2. When differential deflections are greater than about 0.002 in (0.05 mm) reflection cracks form early. Such cracking is delayed for lower differential deflection but may occur as the magnitude and frequency of wheel loadings increase. 3. Both an asphalt impregnated polypropylene fabric and an unwoven, spun-bonded nylon fabric, when placed to span joints in portland cement concrete base and covered with an asphaltic concrete, overlay, are able to sustain the formation of reflection cracking in the overlaying layer without undergoing damage. 4. An asphalt impregnated polypropylene fabric spanning the joints in portland cement concrete pavements, and placed between the pavement and an asphaltic overlay, may be effective in reducing the infiltration of surface water to pavement sub-layers. There is some evidence that pavement pumping may be reduced by this method. 5. Both an asphalt impregnated polypropylene fabric and an unwoven, spun-bonded nylon fabric can delay the formation of reflection cracking. There is strong evidence, however, that such cracking is fatigue in nature and will eventually develop under the application of repetitive wheel loadings.

In the recent past, new materials, laboratory and in-situ testing methods and construction techniques have been introduced. In addition, modern computational techniques such as the finite element method enable the utilization of sophisticated constitutive models for realistic model-based predictions of the response of pavements. The 7th RILEM International Conference on Cracking of Pavements provided an international forum for the exchange of ideas, information and knowledge amongst experts involved in computational analysis, material production, experimental characterization, design and construction of pavements. All submitted contributions were subjected to an exhaustive refereed peer review procedure by the Scientific Committee, the Editors and a large group of international experts in the topic. On the basis of their recommendations, 129 contributions which best suited the goals and the objectives of the Conference were chosen for presentation and inclusion in the Proceedings. The strong message that emanates from the accepted contributions is that, by accounting for the idiosyncrasies of the response of pavement engineering materials, modern sophisticated constitutive models in combination with new experimental material characterization and construction techniques provide a powerful arsenal for understanding and designing against the mechanisms and the processes causing cracking and pavement response deterioration. As such they enable the adoption of truly "mechanistic" design methodologies. The papers represent the following topics: Laboratory evaluation of asphalt concrete cracking potential; Pavement cracking detection; Field investigation of pavement cracking; Pavement cracking modeling response, crack analysis and damage prediction; Performance of concrete pavements and white toppings; Fatigue cracking and damage characterization of asphalt concrete; Evaluation of the effectiveness of asphalt concrete modification; Crack growth parameters and mechanisms; Evaluation, quantification and modeling of asphalt healing properties; Reinforcement and interlayer systems for crack mitigation; Thermal and low temperature cracking of pavements; and Cracking propensity of WMA and recycled asphalts.

Proceedings of RILEM TC-PRC third conference on this subject. Papers from road authorities, engineers, researchers, contractors and manufacturers discussing the implementation and the long term behaviour of overlay systems. The following topics are covered: prevention and cracking assessment, choice and design of overlay systems, practical implemen