Effects of transversal distribution of heavy vehicles on rut formation in bituminous layers

Abstract

Permanent deformation in bituminous layer is an excessive deformation of bituminous material in the wheel paths which gradually increases with increasing numbers of heavy traffic. The traffic loading is one of the most important factors in the design of road pavements and usually the number of heavy vehicle in a wheel path is considered in pavement design. However, the distribution of the heavy-goods vehicles across the width of the traffic lane is essential in estimation of rut formation in asphalt concrete pavement layers. To calculate rutting under wheel load it is therefore crucial to include the influence of lateral wandering of the traffic. The purpose of this work was to study the influence of transversal distribution of heavy-goods vehicles on rut formation in asphalt concrete layers. The predictive model used in this study, PEDRO, is based on the number of passages of wheel loads, traffic speed, axle load configuration (single or dual wheel load), tyre pressure, influence of lateral wandering of the traffic, the pavement structure and the mixture properties at various temperatures. It is also concluded that pavement design methods for rut depth development should include the influence of lateral wander of heavy vehicles.