The Summer 2024 edition of the MAP Brief, titled “Sustainable Pavements: CRCP Across Texas,” highlights the growing success of continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) in the state. Authored by experts Nancy Beltran, Elizabeth Lukefahr and James Mack, the brief emphasizes CRCP’s resilience, durability, and economic benefits for managing Texas’ vast highway network. With over 18,000 lane miles of CRCP in place, Texas has become a model for using this advanced pavement technology to handle heavy traffic and harsh environmental conditions while maintaining long-term performance.
CRCP’s design relies on continuous longitudinal steel reinforcement that minimizes cracking and maintains structural integrity. By preventing cracks from widening, the pavement is better equipped to handle the stress of high traffic loads and environmental shifts. The brief explains how CRCP offers a service life of over 30 years, often surpassing expectations with minimal maintenance. This longevity makes CRCP an attractive choice for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), particularly for highways requiring robust and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Beyond durability, CRCP provides significant cost benefits when analyzed through life-cycle cost assessments (LCCA). While the initial construction costs for CRCP may be higher than traditional pavement options, its low maintenance requirements and extended lifespan translate to substantial savings over time. A study by TxDOT found that CRCP has an average service life of nearly 40 years before requiring rehabilitation, outperforming other pavement types and offering lower overall costs per square yard.
The brief also explores the sustainability aspects of CRCP, which contribute to the industry’s goals of reducing carbon emissions. By lasting longer and requiring fewer repairs, CRCP reduces the environmental impact associated with frequent maintenance activities, congestion, and vehicle emissions. TxDOT’s continuous use of CRCP, combined with innovations in design and construction, ensures that the state’s infrastructure remains resilient and environmentally conscious for decades to come.