When constructing a road pavement connecting existing land with recently reclaimed land, special design considerations are necessary due to the anticipated settlement of the reclaimed area. Even after surcharging and vertical drain installation, some settlement is expected to occur post-construction. This poses a challenge in maintaining a smooth and even pavement surface across the transition zone.
To address this issue, a transition slab can be incorporated into the design. This specialized slab is engineered to accommodate the differential settlement between the existing and reclaimed land. By allowing for controlled movement within the transition zone, the slab prevents the pavement structure from experiencing excessive stress or damage.
As highlighted by J. S. M. Kwong (1996), this design strategy is crucial in ensuring the long-term performance and durability of the pavement in areas where differential settlement is a concern. The transition slab acts as a buffer, absorbing the movement and protecting the overall integrity of the pavement structure.