Mechanical connectors to enhance the interfacial debonding of concrete overlays

Abstract

Concrete bonded whitetoppings and overlays usually fail due to a loss of bond between the layers as a consequence of direct actions (traffic loads) or indirect actions (temperature differences or shrinkage in the layers). These actions generate stresses in the interface that may exceed the strength capacity of the union between layers. This paper proposed an innovative solution for this problem that consisted of placing mechanical connectors in the overlay interfaces to provide them with post-cracking strength and maintaining the monolithic response of the pavement. Three experimental programs on real-scale pavements with two types of mechanical connectors were studied under heavy traffic in terms of structural performance. Findings reveal that this technique might be an excellent solution to the problem of interfacial debonding.