Abstract
Permanent deformation (rutting) is a common type of distress in asphalt pavements. It is widely accepted that the problem occurs due to the heavy load applications and slow movement of traffic. It is clear that permanent deformation or rutting needs to be predicted to avoid major deformation to the flexible pavement. In this study, based on using the strain-dependent properties of the asphalt mixture in a multi-layer linear viscous analysis, a technique has been developed to predict asphalt mixture rut depth. Also, three different types of asphalt mixture were selected to apply the technique at various temperatures. The material properties of asphalt mixtures were derived from the repeated load axial test and they are represented by a strain-dependent axial viscosity. The predicted outcomes were then verified by comparison with measured results obtained from the wheel tracking tests. The research results have indicated that the technique is really practical and should be considered to predict a field rut depth. Moreover, based on the use of technique, the rutting prediction results applied for all mixtures at 45oC was fairly good while they presented poorer performances at 60 oC. Finally, the study has found a quick adjusted method to achive more accurate prediction results when a mixture reaches the tertiary stage of creep.