Potential Modeling Of Pavement Deterioration Rate Due To Cracking

Abstract

Bitumen pavements tend to crack at some point of their life under the combined action of traffic and the environment. These cracks are defects in the pavement surfacing which weakens the pavement and allows water to penetrate and cause further weakening. Once initiated, cracking usually increases in extent, severity and intensity, leading eventually to pavement failure. Cracking has therefore been an important indicator for road pavement maintenance. In view of the extensive road network in Malaysia covering more than 80,000 kilometers in total, the government has to spend huge sums of money on the repair of cracks under its annual road maintenance program. However, the resurfacing works have not always been successful and cracks tend to reappear after some time. The accurate prediction of crack occurrence and the effectiveness of resurfacing works to control cracks are key factors in predicting the timing and costs of road maintenance. In view of this, it is imperative that a suitable model for the prediction of crack development be derived. This model will then be able to predict the deterioration rate of pavement cracking in the future. It in turn will enable effective road rehabilitation programs be implemented in time before cracking deteriorates and leads to eventual pavement failure.