Review of concept and laboratory test methods of asphalt mixture rutting performance

Abstract

Asphalt pavement is subjected to considerable recurring stresses that reduce its lifespan and impair its condition, mostly owing to repeated traffic loads and environmental factors, as well as construction quality. As the application of asphalt mixtures in paving roads has increased, asphalt mixture components have attracted interest as they are closely linked to its durability and performance. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the theory of permanent deformation (rutting formation) in asphalt pavements. Types and factors that influence rutting are also discussed. More importantly, laboratory tests are categorized into four fundamental concepts related to the permanent deformation, which aids in selecting the proper test for evaluation, each containing many assessment methods according to American and European practices to analyse the structural behaviour of pavements and changes in their properties over time, which results in significant rutting. Solutions to enhance resistance to rutting are discussed. The paper concludes that rutting is unavoidable when both high temperatures and frequent heavy loads are present. Geosynthetics are an effective approach to reducing permanent structural and non-structural deformation; they have demonstrated effectiveness in field applications, in contrast to methods primarily validated through laboratory testing.