Photo: COWI

Rigid pavements 

COWI recommends rigid pavements where heavy traffic or stationary loads can be expected. They offer high bearing capacity and good resistance to chemicals.

At normal pricing conditions, rigid pavements only become economically competitive at high traffic volumes or load levels.
The additional increase in bearing capacity per centimetre pavement thickness is higher than for other pavement types. They are therefore used for highly trafficked expressways, airport apron areas, ports and cargo handling facilities.

High bearing capacity on weak foundations

The bearing capacity of a rigid pavement with a given thickness is insensitive to foundation strength. This makes rigid pavements well suited for e.g. land reclamation projects.

A good choice for the environment

The chemical and mechanical resistance of rigid pavements is excellent, making them ideal for aircraft de-icer platforms and container terminals. Their long-lasting performance can be an essential factor where an unhindered traffic flow is a primary objective.