COMPARISON OF ASPHALT & CONTINUOSULY REINFORCED CONCRETE PAVEMENT

Transport is a vital infrastructure for rapid economic growth of the country. Speedy transportation of natural resources (such as raw materials), finished goods and perishable materials to all parts of the country including the points of export outlets are basic inputs to economic growth. In India flexible pavement (bitumen) is most common f or both national and state highways. Majority of roads are also built with conventional bitumen pavements considering its lower initial cost, though the life cycle cost of these pavements are very high compared to rigid pavements due to frequent repairs and also need for complete resurfacing at interval of 4-5 years. Further fuel consumption of vehicles is much higher on this type of pavement than that on rigid pavement. In advanced countries rigid pavement is increasingly being used due to large number of benefits it offers. Continuously reinforced concrete pavement, (CRCP) eliminates the need for transverse joints (other than at bridges and other structures) and keep cracks tight, resulting in a continuous, smooth-riding surface that is virtually maintenance free.