Evaluation of suggested pavement utility-cut patching techniques

Abstract EN

Utility Cut Patchings (UCP) in city streets are a major concern for various city authorities because of their detrimental effect on pavements.

Major effects are loss in both the structural capacity and the riding quality of the pavement.

The city of Riyadh, in particular, is experiencing a special problem since most utility cuts are being constructed on recently-built highways and streets.

The main objective of this research was to investigate a number of patching techniques which potentially can reduce pavement deterioration.

A field experi-ment was designed and seventeen sections were constructed utilizing different patching techniques.

Variations among sections included use of variable key- widths and depths for the asphalt concrete layer for U-shaped utility cuts.

In addition V-shaped patched sections were also investigated.

Falling Weight Deflect meter (FWD) was used to evaluate the structural capacity of test sections.

Results indicated that deflection of pavements would be reduced if different key-widths are used.

In addition, economical analysis of the suggested patching techniques assert the feasibility of most of them.