Question

The mix design for pavement concrete is based on the

• A. flexural strength
• B. characteristic compressive strength
• C. shear strength
• D. bond strength

Answer 1

The correct option is A flexural strength

The mix design for pavement concrete (Highway/Runway) is based on the flexural strength $\left(f_c\right)$ instead of characteristic compressive strength $\left(f_{ck}\right)$. Because the soil beneath the concrete pavement may be scoured by flood or some other reasons and the concrete pavement will behave as a beam and the load on pavement is to be limited by flexural strength of concrete. Required flexural strength is converted into corresponding characteristic compressive strength by the expression $f_c=0.7\sqrt{f_{ck}}$ and the concrete is designed for the required compressive strength as usual.