PURPOSES : The exposed aggregate number (EAN) and mean texture depth (MTD) of exposed aggregate concrete pavement (EACP) influence the functional performance of EACP in terms of pavement noise and skid resistance. The selection of the exposure time of EACP is important because the designed EAN and MTD of EACP can be achieved when the exposure process is performed at an appropriate time. On the one hand, too early exposure may cause protrusions and unwanted removal of aggregates and mortar. On the other hand, late exposure may cause difficulty in exposure of the mortar. In this study, a method to determine the optimum exposure time for EACP is suggested using a non-destructive method.
METHODS : A set of laboratory tests was performed to investigate the variation in EAN and MTD of EACP according to the elastic modulus obtained by non-destructive equipment. From the results of this investigation, the optimum exposure time using the non-destructive method and the exposure time window (ETW) method was suggested. In addition, the usefulness of ETW suggested by laboratory tests was verified from a field application.
RESULTS : From the laboratory tests, it was found that the targets of the surface condition of EACP (EAN: 59 per 25 cm2, MTD: 1.39 mm) can be achieved when the concrete elastic modulus is higher than 20GPa. The proposed guideline using the non-destructive method was applied for the field construction of EACP and achieved similar results.
CONCLUSIONS : It was found that the proposed guideline for determining the exposure time window based on non-destructive testing is useful.