Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP)

www.crcpavement.org
The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Insitute (CRSI), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is sponsoring this website aimed at informing pavement engineers, managers, owners, contractors and academia on issues related to continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP). This update highlights current events, ongoing research, training opportunities and news we think will be of interest to the pavement community. Please send us your comments, articles, and suggestions. We look forward to an energy-filled, two-way communication on CRCP.
 
 

 

Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) is constructed with steel reinforcing bars placed within the concrete along the entire length of the pavement. CRCP naturally forms tight transverse cracks to evenly transfer loads.

The reinforcing bars control the width of the transverse cracks that form and hold them closed. The transverse cracks do not impair the structural integrity of the pavement.

The result is a continuous, smooth-riding surface capable of withstanding the heaviest traffic loads and the most adverse environmental conditions. Because of its greater durability, longer life expectancy, and minimal maintenance requirements, CRCP can provide the best long-term value of any pavement type.

First developed more than 75 years ago, Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) became popular with the construction of the U.S. Interstate Highway system in the 1960s and 1970s. Many stretches of highway constructed at that time are still in use, having outperformed and outlived their original loading and design-life projections.

Today, CRCP has become the material of choice in the U.S. and in countries around the world for the construction that includes highways, roadways, airport runways, railway track beds, and warehouse flooring, because CRCP means:

  • Lower cost to owners because it requires less maintenance.
  • Less impact on the environment because it uses 100-percent recycled material and reduces the effect of thermal-heat absorption in densely populated metro areas.
  • A smooth riding surface that contributes significantly to greater rider comfort and increased fuel efficiency.
  • Fewer delays for motorists because it virtually eliminates reconstruction and repairs.

Downloads

Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement Design and Construction Guidelines (PDF Download, 6.8 MB)
This CRCP manual was developed truly in a spirit of cooperation, with funds from FHWA, CRSI, CMC-America, and professional time from over 25 individual reviewers.