Frequently Asked Questions Archives - LMS Highways

#03. You Ask, We Answer – Can you repair CRCP?

Harriet Drew — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 15:40:37 +0000

Can you repair CRCP? In short, yes we can.

Let’s start with what is CRCP? Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement is constructed with steel reinforcing bars placed longitudinally within the concrete along the entire length of the pavement without any transverse joints. This often leads to an assumption that CRCP sections cannot be repaired or refurbished.

Back to the question, can you repair CRCP? Yes, when repairing or replacing CRCP we remove a square 4m patch and drill new steel starter bars in at 150mm centres just slightly offset from where the existing ones are. The dowel bars are then resined into place and steel mesh/ reinforcing bars are attached at both ends and run continuously along the length of the bay, this ensures we aren’t disrupting or breaking the continuous reinforcement. This results in a smooth-riding surface with no transverse joints which is capable of withstanding the heaviest traffic loads and the most adverse weather conditions.

LMS Highways has been delivering CRCP repairs for many years – most recently working on the A449 in Wales, click here to read about the project. If you have any further questions regarding CRCP repairs or have a project to discuss then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via contact@lmshighways.co.uk or 01626 331771.

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#02. You Ask, We Answer – Why concrete and not asphalt?

Harriet Drew — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 13:58:09 +0000

Why concrete and not asphalt?

The conversation of which is a better product, concrete vs. asphalt roads has long been a topic for many. There are a few similarities between the two, both are made up of aggregate such as crushed rock and sand, the binder is where they differ. Concrete is cement and water based whereas asphalt is bitumen which is derived from crude oil. Concrete roads are highly durable, long lasting and more environmentally friendly compared to asphalt roads, however, asphalt costs less and is very quick to install.

Life Expectancy

Asphalt roads should have a life span of 8 years but in general usage it usually has a 5-6 year life before having to be planed off and resurfaced again, which can only be done so many times.

Concrete on the other hand, once it’s been laid, has a 30-50 year life expectancy, so it’s more of a life cycle treatment with far less maintenance. Concrete has also been known to harden with age whereas asphalt is more susceptible to softening in high temperatures.

Maintenance

Asphalt requires a lot of maintenance due to it being a very porous material. In an example of an RTC (road traffic collision), that section of carriageway will have to be removed and resurfaced because the oils, diesels, petrol etc. will quickly be absorbed and gradually eat away at the asphalt causing quite an inconvenience for commuters and highway agencies alike.

Whereas concrete is designed and installed in a way which allows liquids such as oil and diesel to run off the slabs into the pollution drains which are located along the roads.

Installation

Asphalt is very quick and easy to lay but will start to breakdown after a few months leading to constant upkeep. You also need to ensure when installing asphalt that the substrate underneath is sound and unlikely to move, as that will immediately be reflected up through to the surface causing cracking.

Concrete however is a little more difficult to install initially but requires minimal maintenance for years after. Concrete is also more tolerant to underlying movement without causing any visible surface damage.

Both concrete and asphalt are popular material choices, and both have their pros and cons. If you need help deciding which material would be best for your project or would like to discuss the materials in more detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing contact@lmshighways.co.uk or by calling us on 01626 331771.

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#01. You Ask, We Answer – What is CRCP?

Harriet Drew — Thu, 27 May 2021 12:00:05 +0000

LMS Highways frequently receives various questions about our unique industry and technical processes, so we have decided to make a series called ‘You Ask, We Answer’. In this series we will be addressing your frequently asked questions and answering them as honestly and specifically as possible. If you have any questions you are itching to have answered (and are within our capabilities), then please let us know!

What is CRCP?

Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), was designed in America back in the 80’s with the thought that more reinforcement means thinner slabs and less concrete could be used. CRCP is constructed with longitudinal steel reinforcing bars placed within the concrete at 150mm centres which is continuous along the entire length of the pavement without any transverse joints.

The result is a continuous, smooth-riding surface capable of withstanding the heaviest traffic loads and adverse weather conditions. A number of highway agencies choose to use CRCP in heavy urban traffic corridors due to its long service life benefits greatly outweigh the costs.

Pros

Cost efficient
Heavy duty
Repairable

Cons

Prone to transverse cracking
Water ingress can rust the steal

LMS Highways have been delivering CRCP over many years – click here to see our latest project. If you have any further questions regarding CRCP or have a project to discuss, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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