Rigid Pavement

[genomty]

Some days ago a structural engineer asked me about if I know something about reinforcing rigid pavements for seismic purposes.
Is there any code or desing manual regarding to this issue?. I'm do not find sense in that, but you never know, I hardly believe that additional reinforcement could help in something when an earthquake strikes a city. I have consulted the ACI committe related to pavements and 2 or 3 publications of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and I have not found nothing about it

 

[BigH]

I've not seen anyhing to my recollection.

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

I have never seen anything about reinforcing pavement for seismic loads.

 

[Focht3]

I haven't, either. Bridges, abutments, etc. are covered - but not the pavement itself.

I lived in southern California for a few years - lived through a few small earthquakes in the 5 to 5.5 range. My personal observation is that designing rigid pavement for earthquake loads is a waste of time - the pavement will follow the pattern of the Rayleigh (surface) waves anyway - I observed a sidewalk ripple with the ground motion. I think it was one of the strangest things I have ever seen.

Tell the structural engineer to stop worrying about the pavement - it's a useless exercise.



Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[genomty]

Thanks guys!

You have confirmed my arguments.

 

[BigH]

For those who don't visit the pavement code issues forum, see see Laser28's comments in Thread168-84346.