Cracking models for HMA overlay treatment of composite pavements in Louisiana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cracking is one of the primary forms of distress suffered by hot-mix asphalt (HMA) overlay of composite pavements. Pavement cracking affects the ride quality and pavement service life by allowing water and debris to penetrate through the pavement structure. This paper presents the development of transverse cracking and longitudinal cracking performance models for overlay treatment of composite pavements in the state of Louisiana. Various factors that affect the cracking performance of overlay treatment were identified. Such factors include equivalent single axle load (ESAL), thickness of HMA and Portland cement concrete (PCC), functional classification of roadways, and newly developed temperature indexes. Regression analyses were performed to identify those factors and to develop cracking prediction models. In order to better predict the pavement service life, the existing condition of the pavement was also utilised through the models. The developed models provided an acceptable agreement between the measured and predicted crack values. It was found that the predictions were improved when the existing pavement condition was incorporated in the models. The resulting cracking models could be used by Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) as a good pavement management tool for timely pavement maintenance and rehabilitation actions to maximise benefits, driver’s comfort, and safety.