Developing methods and strategies to reduce the impact of rumble strips (RS) on pavement performance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite numerous research studies inspecting the safety benefits of centreline and shoulder rumble strips (RS) on pavements, there has been limited exploration into the impact on pavement durability due to the installation of RS. The RS milling process creates micro-cracks in the pavement structure that could propagate to macro cracks over time with freeze and thaw, moisture damage, and traffic loading, thereby decreasing the lifespan of the pavements. The primary objective of this study was to develop testing procedures for RS samples as well as analysis methods to determine the impact of potential controlling factors such as permeability and resulting moisture damage; freeze–thaw; the presence of microcracks; surface layer sealants (chip seal); RS size, depth, type, and RS location in relation to the longitudinal construction joint. The flexural beam fatigue test suggests that sinusoidal rumble strips had 38% increased fatigue cracking resistance. Moreover, the sinusoidal rumble strip resulted in 41% improved cracking and structural performance in the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT) tests. Also, the rutting performance of sinusoidal rumble strips was similar to the control section without rumble strips. In addition, 0% moisture infiltration was observed in sinusoidal rumble strip specimens.