Prediction of rutting evolution in flexible pavement life cycle at the road network scale using an air-launched ground-penetrating radar system

Abstract

In this work, the evolution of damages in pavement life cycle relative to rutting has been modeled in relevant pavement sections. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were carried out at the rural road network scale using an air-launched pulsed radar system, 1GHz central frequency of investigation, linked to an instrumented van for collecting data at traffic speed. Surveys were performed in two time periods, six months apart from each other. By knowing the geometrical, traffic, climatic and construction information of each surveyed pavement section, and on the basis of comprehensive literature studies dealing with rutting versus time measurements in several flexible pavement sections during their life cycle, it has been possible to determine a reliable domain of existence by means of rutting versus time prediction curves, in which to locate the pavement section-specific prediction curve, case by case. Results have shown reliable relationships, wherein damage prediction is consistent with those suggested by literature.