The formation of longitudinal cracks compromises structural adequacy and reduces the service life of jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP) and continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP). While longitudinal cracking of rigid pavements has been widely observed by state transportation agencies, the current version of the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design software does not consider this critical distress. Studies have shown that the formation of longitudinal cracks can be initiated by several factors ranging from construction issues to various design features. Thus, there is a need for research to determine the design features that affect the formation of longitudinal cracking and to develop longitudinal cracking models that can be incorporated into Pavement ME.

The Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) experiments include hundreds of jointed concrete pavements with various design features. Specific Pavement Studies-2 (SPS-2) examines the effect of structural factors and provides a unique opportunity to investigate observations of longitudinal cracking with specific design features. Rigid pavement sections from the General Pavement Studies (GPS) will supplement the SPS-2 data and provide insight into design features not included in the SPS-2 study.

The objective of this research is to identify or develop models to predict JPCP longitudinal cracking. Research tasks will likely include the following. (1) Conduct a literature review to identify previous relevant work relating to longitudinal cracking with design features. The literature review should review past work performed to assess the cause and extent of longitudinal cracking. (2) Review and select appropriate LTPP data based on data reliability, and identify gaps and other sources of data, if needed. (3) Survey state departments of transportation that have experience related to structural longitudinal cracks and collect data for possible inclusion in the analysis. (4) Identify design features associated with longitudinal cracking. (5) Identify or develop models that predict longitudinal cracking based on relevant design features. (6) Verify the accuracy of the model and make necessary adjustments based on traffic, region, and climate. (7) Develop an implementation plan that includes a presentation to the AASHTO Pavement ME Task Force to be included in the current pavement design procedure and software and guidance on the implementation and validity of the models and transfer function.