Slab Warping or Unevenness
If you have slab warping or unevenness, you need to perform:
​
Conventional Diamond Grinding (CDG)
Conventional diamond grinding (CDG) is often used to create the smoothest and safest pavements available today. It is
appropriate for both new construction and existing pavement and can be performed at any time during a pavement’s life.
Diamond grinding removes a thin layer of the hardened concrete surface using a self-propelled machine outfitted with a series of closely spaced diamond saw blades mounted on a rotating shaft. Unlike diamond-impregnated carbide bits, which use impact to chip away the concrete surface, CDG blades use abrasion to gently remove the surface layer without the risk of introducing microcracking of the aggregates. After diamond grinding, the pavement texture consists of grooves and lands, with the grooves lying beneath the pavement interface.
CDG has been in use since the 1960s, with nearly 20 million square yards of pavement diamond ground each year in the United States alone. In addition to using CDG to improve the performance of existing, in-service pavements, several state Departments of Transportation specify diamond ground surfaces as the final surface on newly placed portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP).
Next Generation Concrete Surface (NGCS)
Next Generation Concrete Surface (NGCS) is the quietest non-porous concrete pavement surface available. NGCS is a hybrid texture that resembles a combination of diamond grinding and longitudinal grooving. It consists of a uniform land profile design with essentially an all-negative texture. Despite its flatter, smoother riding surface compared to traditional portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP), the NGCS still possesses and maintains reliable microtexture (friction) when constructed with quality aggregates. The longitudinal grooves provide substantial macrotexure and increase resistance to hydroplaning by providing escape channels that allow water to move out of the tire contact patch area.
Resources
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: I-94 repair from upper Midwest to upper Northwest, Douglas and Grant Counties, MN
I-94 from the Upper Midwest to Upper Northwest experienced improved ride quality and extended pavement lifespan through Concrete Pavement Restoration (CPR) methods. The project utilized several techniques, including diamond grinding, dowel bar retrofit (DBR), full depth repair (FDR), partial depth repair (PDR), joint resealing, and crack resealing. The project successfully improved ride quality and extended the pavement's lifespan by more than 15 years, demonstrating the flexibility and economic advantages of CPR.
Resource Type:
Resource Sections:
Resource Techniques:
Resource Issues:
Case Study
Highway
Concrete Pavement Preservation and Restoration, Diamond Grooving
Structural/Material Issues
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: Concrete Patching and Maintenance for I-84 in Box Elder County, UT
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) carefully considered a variety of options to repair the 20-year-old concrete pavement on I-84 in Box Elder, UT. The methods selected included dowel bar retrofit (DBR), diamond grinding, full depth repair, partial depth repair, slab jacking and joint resealing. This newly rehabilitated highway will provide a safe, smooth and durable surface for many years to come.
Resource Type:
Resource Sections:
Resource Techniques:
Resource Issues:
Case Study
Highway
Concrete Pavement Preservation and Restoration, Diamond Grinding, Dowel Bar Retrofit, Full & Partial Depth Repair, Joint and Crack Resealing, Slab Stabilization
Smoothness, Structural/Material Issues
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: Bonville Upgrade, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales (NSW) Australia
The Pacific Highway Bonville Upgrade section of the Pacific Highway in New South Wales, Australia, is a small plain concrete pavement (PCP) link between Sydney and Brisbane. The project involved diamond grinding various areas on both the northbound and southbound lanes. The disposal of slurry into existing settlement ponds with a low pH level provided an added benefit, making the waste water more suitable to treatment through a newly commissioned plant. The overall success of this project resulted in the reduced roughness count.
Resource Type:
Resource Sections:
Resource Techniques:
Resource Issues:
Case Study
Highway
Diamond Grinding
Smoothness
CPR: Rebuilt to Last: Eielson Air Force Base, Fairbanks, AK
A runway section at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, saw rehabilitation through diamond grinding and joint resealing. Diamond grinding restored the runway's condition, and joint resealing prevented water infiltration. These methods extended the runway's service life. The project, which saved significant time and money, was completed almost a month ahead of schedule, ensuring a safer and more efficient surface for the 354th Fighter Wing's operations.
Resource Type:
Resource Sections:
Resource Techniques:
Resource Issues:
Case Study
Airport/Airfield
Diamond Grinding, Diamond Grooving, Full & Partial Depth Repair, Joint and Crack Resealing
Friction/Safety
