Publication Details
Relationship of Consolidation to Performance of Concrete Pavements 
Primary Topic: Rigid Pavement
Description: A study was made of the influence of consolidation on properties of portland cement concrete. Consolidation was found to have a strong influence on compressive strength, bond of concrete to reinforcing steel, and permeability of concrete. There is a lesser effect of consolidation on resistance to freezing and thawing. There is a loss of about 30 percent in compressive strength for every 5-percent decrease in consolidation.
A variety of nuclear density gauges were evaluated for use in monitoring consolidation of concrete. Use o f these gauges has remained fairly constant, at relatively low levels, since 1977. A combination of techniques, such as consolidation monitoring device (CMD) and commercial direct transmission gauges, shows promise as a means of monitoring consolidation during the paving process. A model acceptance sampling plan for concrete consolidation is proposed. The plan is of the inspection by variables type and requires a sample size of eight per lot. The plan provides for buyer's and sellers risks of 5 percent. The plan was field tested in Idaho and Iowa. Field testing indicated that monitoring concrete pavement consolidation is practical and economically feasible.FHWA Publication Number: FHWA-RD-87-095
Publication Year: 1988