Performance impact of autonomous trucks on flexible pavements: an evaluation framework and case studies

ABSTRACTThe emerging technology of Autonomous Trucks (ATs) will significantly impact the transportation sector. Unique traffic characteristics of ATs, such as lane choice and lateral positioning, could intensify the potential risk of aggravated distress development on flexible pavements. In response, the present work proposes a framework to evaluate this impact, focusing on critical factors like wheel wander, load spectra, and AT road-sharing percentages. We utilized this framework to assess AT's effect on Texas' flexible pavements and conducted a parametric analysis, exploring their response to AT implementation and identifying the significance of some key parameters in different pavement designs. The key findings offer insights into how AT implementation could potentially reduce the lifespan of flexible pavements based on existing data. These insights will prove beneficial in designing future pavements that are better suited to accommodate the rising influx of autonomous trucks. Though some AT attributes are yet undetermined due to their emergent nature, our robust framework will accommodate new data when it is available, serving as a continuously improving evaluation tool.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2023.2229481
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/44544515
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group 2023. Abstract reprinted with permission of Taylor & Francis.
• Authors:
  • Huang, Kai
  • Cai, Shengxin
  • Birgisson, Bjorn
• Publication Date: 2023

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: 2229481
• Serial:
  • International Journal of Pavement Engineering
  • Volume: 24
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 1029-8436
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/10298436.html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Autonomous vehicles; Case studies; Flexible pavements; Impact studies; Trucks
• Geographic Terms: Texas
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01906986
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 5 2024 4:03PM