Development and Validation of Urban Alaskan Pavement Rutting Models: Fid-Bau Portal

Development and Validation of Urban Alaskan Pavement Rutting Models

This study analyzes laser Road Surface Profiler (RSP) pavement rutting data collected in Alaska from 1998 through 2004. The data is used to compare and develop urban rutting prediction models for the wearing courses used in three major cities of the state: Fairbanks, Juneau and Anchorage. Here the rutting measurements also include studded tire wear. The aim is to apply urban rutting models to properly time rehabilitation projects saving users and agency money. Thirteen wearing courses in urban areas are analyzed including twelve asphalt concrete mixes (conventional, polymer-modified, SMA, Superpave and PlusRide) as well as Portland cement concrete on weigh-in-motion slabs and bridge decking. It was found that the pavement age, rather than accumulated AADT or studded tire passes, correlates best with rut depth accumulation. Further, it was found that models applied to individual pavement sections with consistent pavement age, type and traffic distribution is superior to any type of generalization. The use of hard aggregates seems to enhance wearing surface service life. Limited mix abrasion testing using the Prall device showed that test results have good correlation with field wear rates. In addition, a model is presented for estimating pavement rutting service life. Assuming a linear increase in rut depth with time, a Remaining Service Life (RSL) model is introduced. This is a prediction of the time until a pavement segment reaches terminal rut depth at which point pavement rehabilitation activity is recommended. Finally, comparing actual and predicted RSL values for different mixes demonstrates RSL model validation.