The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) recently completed a research brief titled “Joint Sawing Practices and Effects on Durability”, that summarizes the Wisconsin Highway Research Program Project 0092-16-01. The state of Wisconsin and other northern U.S. states have recently seen premature deterioration in concrete pavement joints. The WisDOT has traced the causes of deterioration to the construction of the joints. Joints are sawn into hours-old concrete pavement to control random cracking. Improper saw timing, equipment, and methods can damage the pavement and require high levels of maintenance.
Research Objectives
• Evaluate which sawing factors most impact the durability of near-joint concrete
• Investigate concrete joint sawing techniques currently used in Wisconsin
• Assess impacts of these techniques on the durability of the constructed pavement joints
• Recommend best practices for joint sawing to improve durability and performance
Research Benefits
• Determined causes for premature deterioration of joints in young concrete pavements
• Recommended strategies to mitigate joint deterioration and improve joint performance through better sawing timing, technique and equipment
“This research will help WisDOT improve the long-term performance of concrete joints through optimized saw-cut practices and application of penetrating sealers,” stated Myungook (MK) Kang, WisDOT.
To download the 2-page tech brief, please go to: https://wisconsindot.gov/documents2/research/0092-16-01-research-brief.pdf