Concrete Overlays (Evolution - Application - Performance)

January 28, 2021

Concrete Overlays (Evolution - Application - Performance)

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Presented by: Gordon Smith

Abstract: Concrete overlays were constructed in the United States dating back to the early 1900s. Obviously, overlays were not a common need in those early years of building our nation’s local street and highway network. As the years passed, transportation engineers recognized that pavement life could be extended, in many cases, through timely rehabilitation and resurfacing solutions rather than more costly reconstruction. This philosophical shift became a major challenge for the concrete paving industry in the mid to late 1970s. The renewed interest in developing concrete overlay technology was responsive to the growing need for viable alternatives for extending the life of previous investments found in our aging street and highway infrastructure. This presentation will provide insight to history, lessons learned and recent advancements in concrete overlay design and construction procedures. Whether originally constructed as concrete, asphalt or composite pavements, concrete overlays are intended to optimize performance of today’s pavement systems. Finally, the presentation will share a snapshot of concrete overlay performance stories from around the country.

Bio: Gordon L. Smith, P.E. recently joined the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center as an Associate Director. Smith began his career in concrete pavements with an Iowa contractor for 14 years, followed by thirty one years of service to the Iowa Concrete Paving Association and the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Smith received a BS in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University in 1975. He has a wealth of first-hand knowledge in concrete pavement design, specification, construction and maintenance, complemented by a strong background in concrete materials. His leadership has helped to guide both local and national advancements in the areas of concrete overlays, early opening of concrete pavements to traffic, performance engineered mixtures, and concrete pavement preservation to mention only a few.