Evaluation Method for Transverse Cracking in Asphalt Pavements on Freeways

Abstract

Transverse cracking is one of the major distresses in asphalt pavements. The objective of this research is to establish an effective evaluation method for transverse cracking in asphalt pavements on China's freeways. Two single indicators are presented that assess the key properties of transverse cracking: transverse crack spacing and transverse crack width ratio. The transverse crack condition index (TCCI) is then developed as a comprehensive evaluation index of transverse cracking in this study. The feasibility of this evaluating method was checked with the analysis of field detection data from Wu Xuan freeway in Anhui Province and two other freeways in Jiangsu Province, China. Through the introduction of an expert evaluation, the TCCI was converted to a scale from 0 to 100, and the threshold value was confirmed. Furthermore, the corresponding maintenance treatment method was determined according to the different transverse cracking condition levels. The results showed that the TCCI can make a good assessment of transverse cracking in freeway asphalt pavements. The index value can be correlated with the actual condition of the pavement. Therefore, a scientific and rational evaluating method is established for transverse cracking on freeways.