Performance Summary Of Precast Concrete Inlay Panel Trial In Ontario

Abstract

In order to address deep-seated rutting issues on high-volume asphalt highways in Ontario, Canada, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) was interested in the design and testing of a Precast Concrete Inlay Panel (PCIP) trial section. The PCIP was used to increase the stiffness of the pavement section within the short overnight construction windows that the MTO specifies to minimize the effects on road users. The trial section was designed to include three separate methods of panel support, which is understood to be a primary consideration in the performance of precast concrete panels. The trial section was constructed in September 2016 on the traffic lane of Highway 400 and has been in continuous service since that time. Instrumentation was installed during construction to measure the pressure, moisture, and temperature conditions at the interface between the panels and the existing asphalt layer. This paper summarizes the performance of this trial during the more than three years of service, including findings from the sub-panel instrumentation, falling weight deflectometer testing, and condition assessments. Additionally, the findings of an analysis of the construction aspects of the different support conditions are included to reinforce recommendations regarding the best support technique for future applications of the PCIP rehabilitation technique.