Portland Cement Concrete Overlays

Book excerpt: This report presents the latest information on the design, construction and performance of portland cement concrete (PCC) overlays. It describes the four types of PCC overlays that are commonly used in highway pavement applications: bonded PCC overlays, unbonded PCC overlays, conventional whitetopping and ultra-thin whitetopping. Recommended applications, critical design elements, current overlay design methodologies, recommended construction practices, and performance highlights are described for each overlay type. Information is also provided on the selection of PCC overlays as possible rehabilitation alternatives for existing pavements. Taken together, this document addresses the current "state of the technology" of PCC overlays placed on both existing PCC pavements and on existing hot-mix asphalt pavements.