Bridge paving Bit. or Cem. Concr.

[Beantown89]

Everyone use to ask me if I design bridges when I tell them my profession. I used to say no, but recently I've been specifying the Conspan Bridge product. So I do design them! (at least with hyrology and grading) Any advages to cement concrete pavement over bituminous concrete pavement cost-wise and durability? The project is in northeast USA and a 75' span bridge and on private land.

 

[Qshake]

For a private development (not a homeowner), my money is on the portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP).

The concrete, if well made and well placed, will out perform the asphalt. Depending on the conditions, you can specify 8", 9", 10" non-reinforced or if prudent, reinforce with WWF.

Throughout the year in the NE you will experience freeze-thaw and rainy seasons combined with heat that can buckle asphalt pavement. Combine that with winter maintenance such as snow plowing and you could wind up ripping your asphalt right up.

Don't forget that a well placed base is paramount to either application.

 

[KRSServices]

I'm not so confident in concrete versus asphalt. Freeze/thaw cycles wreak havoc with concrete as well, however, both have the their pros and cons. I concur with Qshake though in that my experience has shown that the concrete surfaces tend to last longer than the ACP surfaces.

KRS Services

http://www.krs-services.com