EFFECTS OF WATER INFILTRATION AND REPEATED LOADING ON THE BEHAVIOR OF PAVEMENT STRUCTURES

Abstract

 It has become evident that water infiltration into the pavement structure, often through cracks, is a primary factor in the early deterioration of pavements. However, there are still many unknowns regarding the progression and extent of water-induced damage. In this study, a test section was constructed to simulate the conditions of water infiltration into the pavement, and full-scale loading tests were conducted to examine how the infiltration of water influences the progression of deterioration and behavior within the pavement structure. The data obtained from strain gauges and earth pressure gauges installed within the pavement indicated that the compressive strain on the upper surface of the granular base layer varies depending on traffic load history and water content. However, these factors do not immediately impact the subgrade layer. Furthermore, it was suggested that a capillary barrier is functioning between the upper and lower base layers.