Types of Pavements:

On the basis of structural performance of pavements, there are basically two types of pavements:

(a) Flexible, and

(b) Rigid.

A flexible pavement is a layered system consisting of several courses, the top most being the strongest, the strength of layers gradually diminishing as one travels down to the lower layers. The pavement as a whole has low flexible strength, and the external load is largely transmitted to the sub-grade by the lateral distribution (Figure).

Figure : Action of Flexible Pavement and Layers Forming the Pavement

A rigid pavement, made up of a concrete slab of high strength, derives its capacity to withstand the wheel loads from the flexural strength (beam action) of the slab permitting it to slightly bend and take up the stresses imposed on it (Figure 2).

Figure: Action of rigid pavement