PREDICTION MODELS OF DISTRESS FOR CONCRETE PAVEMENTS: A EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

This study presents the development and modification of distress models for concrete pavements in Europe, specifically focusing on Switzerland's contribution under the Technical Committee 7 of the PIARC. The research aimed to adapt models based on U.S. experience to European conditions, involving collaboration with experts from Belgium, Great Britain, Italy, France, and Switzerland. Data collection covered various climatic conditions, construction types, and traffic loads across 106 homogeneous road sections spanning 120 km, to evaluate and modify existing models or develop new ones for predicting concrete pavement performance. The evaluation highlighted the significance of factors such as concrete slab thickness and traffic loads, while factors like mean annual rainfall and frost index showed lesser influence. Modifications were made to models for pumping, joint distress, and faulting, among others, to better match observed field data. The modified models provide a basis for evaluating concrete pavement performance in Europe and for updating design procedures. The study underscores the need for localized calibration of distress models due to climatic and regional differences, highlighting the extensive data requirements for model development and modification. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)