Rutting Prediction Model for Semirigid Base Asphalt Pavement Based on Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test

Abstract

Rutting is the main distress of the semirigid base asphalt pavement (SBAP). The rutting prediction model embedded in the Chinese specification was based on the rutting test results of laboratory specimens that show an unstable prediction accuracy when used in different areas. To get more accurate rutting prediction results for SBAP, the Hamburg wheel tracking (HWT) test using field core specimens was adopted and a new rutting prediction model for SBAP was developed in this paper through a case study. First, field rutting data and core specimens of SBAP in Jiangsu Province were collected. Second, the HWT test was conducted, based on which an M–E prediction model was proposed. Finally, the model was validated through field data, and a comparison between the proposed model and the original model in Chinese specification was also made to evaluate the model effectiveness. The results show that the prediction results of the proposed model have a close correlation with the field rutting values, and the prediction error rate is significantly lower than that of the Chinese specification model. The model developing process could also be used for the rutting prediction model development in other areas.