Abstract
The paper provides a state of the art review of performance evaluation of low volume rural roads. Low volume roads are designed based on empirical approach and past experience. The main factors which influence the behavior of a road are tyre pressure and loading intensities, surface and subsurface temperature, environmental conditions, thickness combinations of different layers, material properties, seepage etc. Consequently, the existing pavement design procedures and analytical procedures are discussed and questioned. Low volume rural roads are not meant for overloaded heavy vehicles, hence are getting deteriorated much earlier than its design life. Secondly, due to the absence of timely maintenance and budgetary provisions for maintenance, problems are increasing resulting in increased number of road fatalities. A combined result of different real conditions in the field affecting the performance of low volume rural roads needs to be studied comprehensively. This paper attempts to study the various methodologies adopted for predicting the behavior of rural roads for heavy traffic and environmental conditions. Also, the importance of the application of finite element method for predicting the behavior of rural roads is showcased. Therefore, it is discussed in details about the need for using an analytical tool like finite element method which will improve the possibility to strengthen the road by the application of a variety of material and thickness combinations for low volume roads.
Published Version
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