Course Catalogue.

Purpose and Background

Interlocking concrete block pavements (ICP) have been in use around the world for more than 50 years. When properly constructed, they can last more than 50 years and require minimal maintenance. They are the pavement of choice for ports and intermodal terminals. The use of ICP is extensive in Europe, Australia, South African and South America. North American use of ICP has not followed the rapid growth experienced in other countries.

In 2010, the American Society for Civil Engineers published a design standard for the design of interlocking concrete pavements for municipal streets and roadways. In 2011, the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) published Standard E2840-11 which provides procedures for the condition evaluation of interlocking concrete pavements for maintenance and pavement management purposes.

The standard established guidelines for the structural design of interlocking concrete pavements with a design speed of up to 70 km/h. The standard applies to paved areas subject to axle loads up to 10 million 80 kN equivalent single axle loads (ESALs). The standard relies on the flexible pavement design procedure described in the 1993 AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures. The method has been condensed to a series of design tables that provide minimum thickness for bases and subbases given the design traffic and characterization of the subgrade soil strength and drainage.

Primary Discussion Topics/Webinar Outline

The webinar is focused on practical aspects of municipal road and parking area design for interlocking concrete pavements and includes a detailed outline of the procedures and input requirements for appropriate structural design for interlocking concrete block pavements with granular, asphalt, cement and asphalt treated bases.
The following topics are addressed:

• Design principals, design life and traffic analysis.
• Subgrade soils assessment for strength and drainage characteristics.
• Pavement base and subbase materials selection and thickness design.
• Drainage details.
• Construction details and specifications.
• Quality control and assurance for maximum performance.
• Interlocking concrete block pavement condition inspection procedures.
• Pavement management techniques.
• Maintenance and rehabilitation practices.

Case studies will be used to explain the key components of the standard and how to use it effectively.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the webinar, the participants should:

• Be able to identify design input requirements to enable the design of interlocking concrete block pavements.
• Identify and process roadway traffic to determine an appropriate design traffic for design.
• Select an appropriate base and subbase type and thickness to withstand the anticipated traffic.
• Understand and specify the appropriate design elements to ensure quality construction and maximize pavement performance.
• Be aware of design details, installation requirements and best construction practices.
• Understand maintenance needs and techniques to effectively extend the service life of the pavements.

Webinar Benefits

• Understand key components and factors necessary for the cost effective design of ICP.
• Be able to identify key design parameters and information sources for pavement design.
• Assist in developing specifications to ensure the long-term performance of pavements.
• Enable personnel responsible for the maintenance and rehabilitation of ICP to identify issues and methods to address them.

Who Should Attend

• Agencies who have or would like to use ICP for roadway, parking area and sidewalk applications.
• Owners of commercial properties that have or would like to use ICP.
• Architects and engineers involved in the design of ICP.
• Personnel involved in the maintenance of pavements.
• Inspection and testing personnel.