ABSTRACT

This paper reviews current trends in the design and construction of concrete roads, the common types
of concrete pavements, the failure modes of rigid pavements, the design method used in South Africa
and construction site practices that designers and contractors carefully consider in order to ensure
concrete pavements meet their strength, durability performance requirements with respect to
sustainability and desired service life. Consequently, design or construction errors or inappropriate
selection of materials have a considerable impact on the reduction of the pavement’s service life. It is
also shown that durable concrete pavements do not depend solely on the concrete quality but also on
proper site construction practices which include placement, compaction and curing. Therefore, it is
important for pavement engineers to understand and address the issues of appropriate materials
selection, mix design and detailing, prevailing drainage conditions, construction techniques, and
pavement performance. Likewise understanding the theoretical background underlying commonly used
design procedures, and to know the limitations of the applicability of the procedures are important.