A Circular Track Full-Scale Testing Study on Permanent Deformation of Asphalt Pavement

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of asphalt structure patterns on permanent deformation, and investigate the contribution of pavement structural layers to permanent deformation of asphalt pavement. Three test segments were constructed at the Circular Track in Chongqing. The three segments had a similar HMA wearing course, binder course, and sub-grade. However, the base course and sub-base of the three segments were different, and the total depth of asphalt layers was different. All three segments were tested under the Accelerated Loading Facility to 500 thousand passes. The permanent deformation was evaluated using rutting measurements. The test results showed that the majority of permanent deformation occurred in top 200mm of the asphalt layer and the maximum cumulative deformation rate occurred within 120mm depth, which may indicate that the binder course significantly influenced permanent deformation of asphalt pavements.