Determining Layer Contributions to Rutting by Surface Profile Analysis

Abstract

For years researchers and practitioners alike in the pavements and materials industry have been performing forensic analyses to determine the origin of hot-mix asphalt pavement permanent deformation (rutting) failures. The investigations typically involve traffic control, coring, excavation, and significant materials testing. These investigations are costly and very inconvenient for road users. Although expensive and inconvenient the investigations are necessary in order to plan appropriate rehabilitation activities. Under the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project 1-34A, a method has been developed to determine the relative contributions of structural layers to total rutting in flexible pavements from a simple analysis of a pavement’s transverse surface profile. A recommended test method in standard format was developed that provides the industry with an extremely valuable analytical tool that could eliminate the need for expensive and inconvenient forensic analyses in many cases.