Choice of rigid (concrete) pavement by traffic loading A cement concrete pavement is generally provided when the commercial daily traffic per lane exceeds approximately:

Introduction / Context:
Selection of rigid versus flexible pavement is influenced by traffic loading, subgrade support, climate, and life-cycle cost. Higher daily loads favor rigid pavements due to better load distribution and reduced rutting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Commercial traffic expressed as total tonnes per lane per day.
• Normal subgrade and climate, without unusual constraints.

Concept / Approach:
Empirical thresholds guide preliminary decisions. Above a certain daily tonnage, rigid pavements often provide superior performance and economics through longer life and lower maintenance under heavy loads.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Detailed design with cumulative ESALs and fatigue models can refine the choice, but preliminary screening often uses such tonnage benchmarks.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
500–1000 tonnes may still be economical with strong flexible structures; 1300 is plausible but 1250 matches a typical rule-of-thumb breakpoint.

Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring axle-load spectra and growth rate; not considering climate-induced cracking or base erosion.

Final Answer:
1250 tonnes