UNDERSTANDING PAVEMENT RUTTING

Wheel rutting is manifested in terms of wheel track depressions, as a result of densification and/or shear deformation in one or more of the pavement layers under repeated traffic loads. This paper first reviews the research and development efforts directed towards a design methodology for rutting. The approach traditionally followed by most highway agencies is to prevent rutting through appropriate structural and mix designs in conjunction with load enforcement policies. Various rutting prediction methods are summarized and evaluated, with suggestions for improvements. Finally, based on studies of test sites in southern Ontario, the paper suggests that the growing problem of pavement rutting may be largely attributed to increased inflation pressures of truck tires. Presented at the 1986 annual RTAC conference. (TRRL)