CONTINUOUSLY
REINFORCED CONCRETE PAVEMENT as the title suggests this type of
pavement is reinforced throughout in longitudinal direction. This type
of pavement has no transverse joints unless and until there is end of
pavement or the pavement comes in contact with some other pavement or
bridge. A longitudinal joint exists only if the road is wider than 14
feet. Due to reduction of joints smooth and continuous riding is
possible resulting in fuel saving. Also CRCP roads are maintenance free
if properly constructed and care is taken while placement of steel.
Once CRCP roads are constructed they need not to be taken care of for
the next 50-60 years. The principal behind this roads is that “Let the
road crack”, exactly opposite as in case of other type of roads where
we avoid crack formation at any cost. CRCP is aloud to crack due to
which stresses in the pavement are released. The cracks formed are held
tightly by the reinforcement, due to which widening and deepening of
cracks is restricted. Hence we can conclude that in CRCP controlled
cracking is permitted. The initial cost of CRCP is high, but as it is
maintenance free, and lasts for decades, overall cost of CRCP is less
as compared to other type of reinforced concrete pavements. Study and
observations have shown that this type of roads are alarmingly
successful, hence CRCP is widely used in USA, GERMANY, BRITAN, and
several other developed and developing nations. Use of CRCP will
enhance the cement, and steel industries; it will reduce the fuel
consumption by vehicles, and will save lots of money required for
frequent construction and repairs of other type of pavements.
Considering all above aspects CRCP will surely boost the economy of any
country.
