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HIPERPAV is a user-friendly, WindowsTM-based computer program that provides guidance on the design and construction of concrete pavement. HIPERPAV enables engineers to make smart decisions about variables that affect concrete pavement performance.
Using HIPERPAV, engineers can predict and, thus, prevent uncontrolled cracking during the construction phase (the first 72 hours after placement). This new capability enables the construction of concrete pavement that requires less maintenance, saving a considerable amount of money and reducing traffic disruption over the life of the pavement.
Background
One of the critical elements in longterm, rigid-pavement performance is the construction of pavements that are free of uncontrolled cracks during the early (first 72 hours) period after placement. Experience tells us that many factors -- materials, mix design, pavement design, construction practices, and climatic conditions - influence whether a pavement will be distress-free during this early age. These factors interact in a complex fashion, making it difficult for the practicing engineer to adequately consider their effect. To address this concern, the Special Projects and Engineering Division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed a coordinated set of guidelines that considered these factors.
Development
Transtec Inc. was awarded a research project to address two potential problems that occur during the first several days after placement and that greatly affect the long-term performance of concrete paving projects:
Uncontrolled transverse cracking in full-depth jointed concrete pavement construction.
Debonding of bonded concrete overlays placed on pre-existing concrete pavements.
The initial objective of the project was to develop a set of textual guidelines considering the influencing factors. However, it soon became apparent that the number of factors and the complexity of the interaction would not allow the development of practical guidelines in text form. At that point, the decision was made to create a Windows"-based computer program that would retain internally the complex models for determining the influence and interactive results of the variable factors but would present a simple, user-friendly interface. Thus was born HIPERPAV.
Contents
HIPERPAV contains algorithms to model the...