Alternative Structure and Material Designs for Cost-Effective Perpetual Pavements in Texas

Abstract

Since the perpetual pavement (PP) concept was introduced, many countries and states, including Texas, have constructed PP roadways. To date, 10 PP sections in Texas have been in service since 2003. With the oldest section having a 15-year service life, there is an opportunity to review the existing design practice and field performance for enhancing the design procedures for cost-effectiveness. From reviewing comprehensive PP practices, the Texas PP design requires the thickest asphalt layers [533.4 mm (21 in.)], but other PP sections using thinner layers have comparably shown good field performance. To date, all Texas PP sections are in good condition with no major structural rehabilitations. Thus, the current Texas PP design procedure needs enhancement for cost-effectiveness. In this study, cost-effective PP design alternatives were proposed to improve design optimization, material quality, and constructability. The structural and economic validations indicated that the design alternatives analytically meet expected performance limits, which last for the 50-year design life without significant structural failures, with a total agency cost saving of up to 19% compared with the current design procedure.