Cement concrete pavements – property check: Which statement is incorrect about CC pavements?

Introduction / Context:
Cement concrete (rigid) pavements differ from bituminous (flexible) pavements in structural behavior, cost, and performance. Recognizing their characteristic advantages and limitations guides selection during project planning and life-cycle cost analysis.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Comparative statements relate to general highway practice.
• “Initial cost” refers to construction cost at the time of building, not whole-life cost.
• Surface properties affect tractive resistance and visibility.

Concept / Approach:

Rigid pavements typically have higher initial construction cost due to concrete materials, dowel/tie bars, formwork/finish requirements, and curing. However, they offer low deformation under loads, low rolling resistance, and excellent night visibility due to light color and reflectance.

Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Verification / Alternative check:

Life-cycle analyses often show rigid pavements can be cost-effective over time despite higher upfront costs, but the question is explicitly about initial cost, which is not low.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Low tractive resistance: generally true because slabs do not rut and keep smoother profiles.
• High initial cost: true relative to flexible pavements.
• High night visibility: true due to surface reflectance.
• “None of these”: incorrect because one statement is indeed wrong.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing initial cost with life-cycle cost; rigid pavements may have lower maintenance costs later.

Final Answer:

Initial cost of construction is low.