RUT DEPTH PERCEPTION

This paper describes a method for the prediction of rut depth in asphalt pavements that is based on a combined mechanistic-empirical approach. Three methods, viscoelastic, elastoplastic and linear-elastic, were originally evaluated. The viscoelastic methods are under study by the Federal Highway Administration. The elastoplastic procedures offer the best longrange solution, but cannot yet be implemented for a multilayered structure such as an asphalt pavement. Therefore, this paper concentrates on linear-elastic procedures to relate the various mechanistic responses, stress, strain, and deformation to the rate of rutting observed on 32 sections at the AASHO Road Test. The rate of rutting was influenced by the season of the year and the number of years for which traffic is applied. Correlations with the surface deflection, the vertical compressive stress in the asphalt concrete, the vertical strain in the subgrade, and the traffic previouly applied to the section were obtained. Correlations could be obtained by converting heavy axle loads to equivalent 80-kN (18,000-lbf) single-axle loads using AASHO load equivalency values. The prediction model inlcudes calculations for estimating rut depth in terms of reliabilty. /Author/

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 9-14
  • Monograph Title: Soil mechanics: rutting in asphalt pavements, embankments on varved clays and foundations
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00162989
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309025958
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Oct 13 2000 12:00AM