Methods to minimize the reflection cracking in HMA overlays on PCC pavements: 1. Design a thicker HMA overlay.

-this may be used if the thickness of overlay to lessen reflection cracking is less than 9 in (229 mm). Normally, when an overlay approaches the 8- to 9-in. (203- to 229-mm) range, other methods should be used. 2. Crack and seat the existing PCC slab into smaller sections. -sometimes called break and seat procedure, involves cracking the PCC slab into small segments, seating the segments with heavy rollers to eliminate underlying voids, and overlaying the PCC slab with HMA. The purpose is to create small pieces of concrete, so that slab movement by thermal or other causes is minimal, thereby reducing the reflection cracking in the HMA overlay. 3. Use a crack relief layer with drainage system. -this is designed specifically to minimize the reflection cracking from the old PCC pavement to the new asphalt overlay. It is placed as the first course of an overlay system. Typically, the crack-relief layer is a 3.5-in. (90-mm) layer of coarse open-graded HMA containing 25 to 35% interconnecting voids and made up of 100% crushed material. The crack relief layer should be connected to a drainage system so that water can be drained out freely. Before placing the crack relief layer, the existing pavement surface should be prepared so that it is as structurally sound and clean as possible; a tack coat is generally required. After the placing of the crack relief layer, a well-graded intermediate leveling or binder course from 2 to 4 in. (51 to 102 mm) thick is laid, followed by a dense-graded surface course about 1.5 in. (38 mm) thick. 4. Saw and seal joints in a HMA overlay. -because of the difficulty in eliminating reflection cracking, one method is to control the cracking rather than eliminate it. This is achieved by sawing a joint above each existing transverse joint immediately after the overlay. The joints are then sealed and subsequently maintained as typical pavement joints. Vertical clearance is defined as the minimum unobstructed vertical passage space required along a sidewalk. Vertical clearance is often limited by obstacles such as building overhangs, tree branches, signs, and awnings. Transverse cracking Cracks that are predominantly perpendicular to the pavement centerline. This cracking is expected in a properly functioning CRCP. All transverse cracks that intersect an imaginary longitudinal line at midlane, and propagate from the pavement edges, shall be counted as individual cracks, as illustrated below. Punchouts The area enclosed by two closely spaced (usually < 0.6 m) transverse cracks, a short longitudinal crack, and the edge of the pavement or a longitudinal joint. Also includes "Y" cracks that exhibit spalling, breakup, or faulting.