Evaluating the Effect of Solar Radiations on the Performance of Asphalt Concrete Pavements

Amal Abdelaziz, Chun Hsing Ho

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In recent years, severe weather events have impacted the performance of transportation infrastructures. The increase in temperature and heatwaves, lead to the early deterioration of pavement structures. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of solar radiations on the behavior of flexible pavements. A project was implemented in Flagstaff, Arizona, to evaluate the impact of solar radiations on asphalt concrete pavements. The analysis was performed using similar road sections with shaded and unshaded areas. A three-dimensional model of the study area was built using MicroStation, to generate solar analysis study using specified time periods. To validate the numerical analysis, field visits were conducted to measure pavement surface temperatures, and evaluate distress types along pavement surfaces for areas with solar exposure and areas without sun exposure. Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests were performed to determine the stiffness of the asphalt mixtures. ANSYS, a finite element analysis software, was used to analyze the critical tensile and compressive strains exerted on the pavement. According to the results, pavement sections exposed to solar radiations, experience a significantly higher level of critical tensile and compressive strains compared to shaded pavement areas. Based on test findings and analysis results, the paper concluded that solar radiations lead to the early deterioration of asphalt pavements by increasing fatigue distress and rutting.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationTesting and Characterization of Asphalt Materials and Pavement Structures - Proceedings of the 5th GeoChina International Conference 2018 – Civil Infrastructures Confronting Severe Weathers and Climate Changes
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Failure to Sustainability, 2018 in HangZhou, China
EditorsKun Zhang, Rongqiao Xu, Shih-Huang Chen
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media B.V.
Pages90-103
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)9783319957883
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Event5th GeoChina International Conference on Civil Infrastructures Confronting Severe Weathers and Climate Changes: From Failure to Sustainability, 2018 - HangZhou, China
Duration: Jul 23 2018Jul 25 2018

Publication series

NameSustainable Civil Infrastructures

Conference

Conference5th GeoChina International Conference on Civil Infrastructures Confronting Severe Weathers and Climate Changes: From Failure to Sustainability, 2018
Country/TerritoryChina
CityHangZhou
Period7/23/187/25/18

Keywords

  • Asphalt
  • Critical strains
  • Fatigue
  • Pavement
  • Rutting
  • Solar radiation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Computational Mechanics
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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