Development of an incremental method for mechanistic asphalt concrete pavement deterioration models

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Hartmut Johannes Beckedahl
• Subject Area: Construction Material Sciences, Chemistry, Building Physics
• Term: from 2010 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 166237756

There exist considerable discrepancies between laboratory and analytical investigation and field performance studies for different modes of deterioration of asphalt pavements. To gain considerable confidence on pavement performance modelling and to bring it more closely to the pavement performance seen in the field, a rational design methodology is required. This methodology should take into account the evolution of pavement performance throughout its life time. One obvious choice is the use of incremental method for developing asphalt pavement deterioration models. The incremental method for the analytical prediction of asphalt pavement deterioration will consist of an integrated set of models, which will be able to predict the progression of deterioration for each mode of distress. The accumulated damage for each deterioration mechanism can be calculated in increments as a function of time and/or damage. The increment spacing will be a function of material property variation caused by climate, time, and/or traffic. Thus the pavement service life is divided into several increments and the calculation input data (material properties, climate, traffic, surface profiles, and layer thickness) as well as the pavement damage will be changed with each new increment. The priority research objective is the creation and validation of a new incremental method for mechanistic asphalt concrete pavement deterioration models to account for variation in pavement material property and the consequent pavement structural response. The secondary objectives are to modify existing or to develop new analytical pavement performance models.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: India
• Partner Organisation: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Participating Persons: Lars Neutag; Professor Dr. A. Veeraragavan