An innovative evaluation method for performance of in-service asphalt pavement with semi-rigid base

Abstract

To solve the issues involved in the inaccurate evaluation of the comprehensive performance of in-service asphalt pavements with semi-rigid base, in this study, extensive investigation and field testing are conducted on certain asphalt pavements with semi-rigid base in Beijing. A total of over 1000 sets of FWD data, more than 120 sets of radar spectra, and 138 cores are collected, and utilized for building a comprehensive performance evaluation system for asphalt pavements; seven indicators, including the functional and structural performances, are selected. The comprehensive performance of the pavement is analyzed and evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA). The results show that the comprehensive performance evaluation method for in-service asphalt pavements with semi-rigid base, proposed in this paper can get the accurate evaluation including the total score, score of each principal component and ranking of each pavement section. Furthermore, the comprehensive performance of in-service asphalt pavements with semi-rigid base is not necessarily related to the highway classification and road age. In addition, evaluation method for in-service asphalt pavements with semi-rigid base proposed in this paper can also be conducive for maintaining and utilizing existing road structures; thereby, major and medium rehabilitation can be considerably reduced, supporting green and scientific road maintenance.