| Flexible Pavements | Rigid Pavements |
|---|---|
| It consists of a series of layers with the highest quality materials at or near the surface of pavement. | It consists of one layer Portland cement concrete slab or relatively high flexural strength. |
| It reflects the deformations of subgrade and subsequent layers on the surface. | It is able to bridge over localized failures and area of inadequate support. |
| Its stability depends upon the aggregate interlock, particle friction and cohesion. | Its structural strength is provided by the pavement slab itself by its beam action. |
| Pavement design is greatly influenced by the subgrade strength. | Flexural strength of concrete is a major factor for design. |
| It functions by a way of load distribution through the component layers. | It distributes load over a wide area of subgrade because of its rigidity and high modulus of elasticity. |
| Temperature variations due to change in atmospheric conditions do not produce stresses in flexible pavements. | Temperature changes induce heavy stresses in rigid pavements. |
| Flexible pavements have self healing properties due to heavier wheel loads are recoverable due to some extent. | Any excessive deformations occurring due to heavier wheel loads are not recoverable, i.e. settlements are permanent. |