Premature Failure Of Asphalt Pavement In Sichuan Province And Its Mitigation

Some asphalt pavements of expressway constructed in Sichuan province show apparent distresses not long after being open to the traffic. Some of the pavements accelerate the distresses (such as cracking) even during or after the every first rain season. To find solution to this problem, this paper investigated premature deterioration of asphalt pavement in Sichuan province. Based on it, varieties of premature failure were analyzed. Some preventive measures were proposed.First, pavement performance is greatly influence by Environment such as climate, landscape and soil. It is therefore required that geography characteristic and weather characteristics are discussed. While the annual mean monthly highest temperature is the indicator for the performance of the pavement in high temperature. The extreme annual lowest temperature is the crack related indicator at low temperature. The annual rainfall serves as the indicator for the water_stability of the pavement.Second, based on the data collected from several expressways in Sichuan province, this paper presented several types of asphalt pavement premature failure. The field investigation and mechanical analysis were carried out, including performance test, drilled core and filtration etc. The causation of asphalt pavement premature failure is detailed. Repair strategy was worked out on the basis of the analysis. According to site revisit., repairs were satisfactory.The ultimate aim of analysis this paper is to effectively protect premature failureof asphalt pavement. Investigation show that the premature failure of asphalt pavement is closely related to pavement design, construction and management. Design is the core in civil engineering'spirit. Quality can be achieved only under proper construction procedure.