Durability vs technical - the usage properties of road pavements

Abstract

Contemporary trends in development and new material and technical solutions for road pavement should consider the permanent increase in the growth of traffic as well as aspects of environmental protection and balanced development. Nowadays, attempts are made towards estimation of the appropriate thickness for pavement construction already in the phase of its design. Flexible pavements are preferred over rigid concrete roads because of their certain advantages, such as they can be strengthened and improved in stages with the growth of traffic. Flexible pavements are less expensive in regards to their initial cost and maintenance. Concrete pavements are nowadays becoming more popular. The largest advantage for using rigid pavement is its durability and ability to hold its shape against traffic and difficult environmental conditions. Although concrete pavement is less expensive, it requires less maintenance and has a good design life. The main objective of this study is to present a comparative review on the suitability of pavement depending on various parameters such as material, loading, longer life, cost effectiveness etc.