The present road systems are exposed to rising traffic, heavier axle loads, and harsh climatic conditions. It is prone to permanent deformation, such as rutting under such stresses, which affects asphalt pavements. Rutting not only reduces the life of the pavements but is also very dangerous in terms of safety because it causes water buildup and makes vehicles unstable. Rutting resistance testing has comprised a critical component of pavement material testing to overcome these challenges. It allows engineers to determine the reaction of asphalt mixtures to repetitive loads and high temperatures. Materials can be streamlined using systematic testing in order to achieve performance demands and long-term road safety.
Principle and Methodology
The Rutting resistance test is based on the concept that periodic or continuous loads to an asphalt specimen at the specified temperatures are conducted to imitate real traffic conditions. The test is used to determine permanent deformation with time, either in wheel tracking or cyclic loading. Slab or cylindrical specimens are normally exposed to high service temperatures, then loaded. The response to strain or the depth of the ruts is measured during the period of the test. The obtained data give a clue as to the resistance of the mixture to plastic flow and shear deformations caused by traffic forces.
