# Assessing Abrasion Resistance in Concrete Pavements: A Review
## 1 Introduction  
Modern-day pavement infrastructure, such as heavy traffic roadways, airports, bridge decks, etc., is predominated by concrete or rigid pavements [1]. The performance of concrete pavement in outstanding heavy loads and stresses, its durability based on its ability to resist mechanical and dynamic impacts, and its workability have made it the preferred technology for roadways, airports, bridge decks, and many others. Compared to flexible pavements, concrete pavements are proven to be more cost-effective when variables like maintenance expenses and vehicle operating costs are considered [2]. According to highway agencies, concrete pavements can last up to 25-40 years, which is usually 1.5 to 2 times longer than asphalt pavements that are similarly designed and constructed [3]. However, higher initial construction costs, low tensile strength, cracking, high maintenance needs, and non-biodegradability are challenges associated with concrete pavements [4]. Concrete pavement is susceptible to early degradation and quick service life reductions under the combined effects of vehicle load, temperature, humidity, and erosive media [5]. Therefore, considerations should be made during concrete mix design for concrete pavements focusing on the workability of the mixture, mechanical strength (compressivestrength, flexural strength, and abrasion resistance), and durability, which considers the resistance to thermal, chemical, and biological aspects such as damage from freezing and thawing, alkali-silica reactions, and the growth of mold [6]. According to reports, in the United States, the abrasion rate of road pavement is between 0.04 and 0.5 mm per year, which might vary depending on factors like traffic volume, driving conditions, etc. [7]. Abrasion and impact resistance, freeze-thaw cycles, and permeability are factors associated with pavement concrete's durability. Resistance to abrasion is one of the numerous vital research topics carried out in the field. The findings demonstrated that the variables of compressive strength, surface-finishing methods, curing kinds, aggregate characteristics, and testing settings (dry vs. wet) have an influence on the abrasion resistance of concrete [8]. The ability of a concrete surface to withstand wear and tear from abrasive force actions such as impact, rubbing, cutting, and sliding is abrasion resistance. Because of the friction force created by the relative motion of the moving traffic load and the pavement surface, abrasion on the pavement surface occurs. As the deterioration increases, the resistance of the pavement to abrasion decreases [2]. Unlike bulk properties like strength, abrasion resistance is a surface property that is mostly determined by surface layer characteristics [9]. Concrete abrasion is the slow loss of concrete mass caused by mechanical deterioration, such as impact, grinding action, friction, overloading, and local crushing. Both vehicle and pedestrian activities can result in abrasion. The worst abrasion effects are found in vehicles with studded or chain tires. Concrete abrasion susceptibility leads to a reduction in thickness and an increase in dust formation on the pavement surface. As the concrete slab thickness decreases, tensile stress rises, causing tensile cracks and shortening the service life of the concrete. Additionally, the deterioration or dusting of the pavement can impair its ability to resist slipping [10]. When most of the coarse aggregate in the concrete's top layer is exposed, the impact of traffic will cause the coarse aggregate to loosen, resulting in mortar holes on the surface of the concrete. When such movements are repeated, the concrete pavement's thickness gradually reduces and its structural integrity is compromised, leading to damage like fractures and cracks. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that the compressive strength of concrete is the primary determinant of the material's resistance to abrasion.