Rigid versus Flexible Pavement Design

Generally when discussing the topic of pavement there are two main categories to consider, rigid
and flexible. As with most things in engineering there are pros and cons to each of these types
and one may be selected over another depending on the specific needs of a project. Some main
points to consider when weighing the two types are:
Rigid pavements are typically distribute wheel loads over a wide area of the subgrade as shown
on the left side of the exhibit below and consists generally of cement concrete and may be
reinforced with steel. Other rigid pavement characteristics include:

Design life typically 30+ years

Equivalent unit cost approximately $6 $8 per SF

Lower maintenance costs

High flexural strength

Strength of road less dependent on strength of sub-grade

Low ability to expand and contract with temperature and therefore need expansion joints

High ability to bridge imperfections in sub-grade

Flexible pavements typically distribute wheel loads to lower layers of the pavement section as
shown on the right side of the exhibit below and consists generally of bituminous material. Other
flexible pavement characteristics include:

Design life typically 10 20 years

Equivalent unit cost approximately $2 $3 per SF

Costs tied closely to price of oil

Higher maintenance costs

Low flexural strength

Strength of road highly dependent on strength of sub-grade

High ability to expand and contract with temperature and therefore do not need expansion
joints

Low ability to bridge imperfections in sub-grade

For vehicular use are generally divided into two main categories (i) Rigid pavements have a high compressive strength, which tends to distribute the load over a
relatively wide area of soil. There are several advantages of properly constructed rigid pavements
Low maintenance costs
Long life with extreme durability
High value as a base for future resurfacing with asphalt
Load distribution over a wide area, decreasing base and sub grade requirements
Ability to be placed directly on poor soils
No damage from oils and greases.
Strong edges
The disadvantages of rigid pavements include High initial costs
Joints required for contraction and expansion
Generally rough riding quality
High repair costs

(ii) Flexible pavements consist of a series of layers, with the highest quality materials at or near
the surface. The strength of a flexible pavement is a result of building up thick layers and thereby
distributing the load over the sub grade; the surface material does not assume the structural
strengths as with rigid pavements.
The advantages of flexible pavements include Adaptability to stage construction
Availability of low-cost types that can be easily built
Ability to be easily opened and patched
Easy to repair frost heave and settlement
Resistance to the formation of ice glaze
The disadvantages include Higher maintenance costs
Shorter life span under heavy use
Damage by oils and certain chemicals
Weak edges that may require curbs or edge devices
(i) Curbs can be used of concrete is probably the most common material used for both barrier
and mountable curbs. Concrete curbs are durable and relatively easy to construct.
(ii) Asphalt is frequently used for curbing, especially where curved parking is lands must be
constructed. They are economical and easy to construct.
(iii) Granite curbs are not as frequently used as asphalt or concrete unless granite is quarried in
the area. Granite curbs are far more durable than concrete.