Differences between flexible and rigid pavement

• Composition

  Flexible: composed using properly graded aggregates with bitumen/tar as binder

  Rigid: using cement etc (concrete/ rc materials)
• Layers

  Flexible: constructed in number of layers

  Rigid: casted as single concrete slab
• Continuity (jpint)

  Flexible: laid continuously, hence no joints
• Rigid pavement constructed in bays, hence joints are present
• Costs

  Flexible: initial cost is less, but high maintenance cost

  Rigid: initial costs are high, but low maintenance cost
• Time

  Flexible: can be open to traffic after 24 hours

  Rigid: can be open to traffic after minimum 14 days
• What happened if the pavement subjected to excessive loading?

  Flexible: local depression

  Rigid: Cracks
• Advantages of rigid pavement

  • Low maintenance costs
  • Long life with extreme durability
  • ability to be placed directly on poor soils
  • no damage form oils and greases
• Disadvantages of rigid pavement

  • High initial costs
  • Joints required for contraction and expansion
  • High repair cost
• Advantages of flexible pavement

  • Low initial costs
  • resistance to the formation of ice glaze
  • adaptability to stage construction
  • easily opened and patched
• Disadvantages of flexible pavement

  • Higher maintenance costs
  • shorter life span under heavy use
  • damage by oils and certain chemical
  • weak edges