Difference Between Flexible Pavement and Rigid Pavement

In civil engineering, flexible pavement and rigid pavement are two common types of road surfaces, each with distinct characteristics and construction methods.

Flexible Pavement:

Composition: Flexible pavements are constructed using multiple layers of flexible materials, including bitumen (asphalt), aggregates, and base courses.

Flexibility: Flexible pavements distribute loads over a wider area through deformation of the pavement layers, providing flexibility and resilience under traffic loads.

Performance: They are well-suited for roads with moderate to heavy traffic volumes and provide good skid resistance and ride quality.

Maintenance: Flexible pavements require regular maintenance, including resurfacing and patching, to address surface distresses such as cracks and potholes.

Rigid Pavement:

Composition: Rigid pavements consist of a single layer of Portland cement concrete (PCC) placed directly on a prepared subbase or subgrade.

Rigidity: Rigid pavements are rigid structures that distribute loads over a wider area through slab action, providing high stiffness and strength.

Performance: They are suitable for high-traffic highways and airports, offering excellent durability, load-carrying capacity, and resistance to rutting and deformation.

Maintenance: Rigid pavements have lower maintenance requirements compared to flexible pavements but may require joint sealing and occasional slab replacement to address cracking and faulting.

Objective Type Question:

Which type of pavement is constructed using multiple layers of flexible materials, including bitumen and aggregates?

A) Flexible pavement B) Rigid pavement C) Composite pavement D) Permeable pavement