Rigid Pavement Layer Configuration

Rigid pavements are typically constructed using a portland cement bound surface layer over one or more support layers over a prepared natural earth subgrade (Figure 5). The base layer is typically provided to support construction traffic and to provide uniformity of support to the PCC surface. The base layer may consist of unbound aggregate, bitumen, or cement bound aggregate. The bound layers may be conventional dense-graded asphalt, lean concrete, or cement-treated or open-graded asphalt or concrete which are designed to promote lateral drainage within the pavement structure. The subbase layer is typically used to protect the pavement from the effects of frost heave and/or used to improve the constructability of the upper pavement layers.