Evaluation of Permanent Deformation on Saudi Roads

H.I. A1-Abdul Wahhab, M.N. Fatani, I.A. Al-Dhubeeb, A. Bubshait and A. Noureldin

ABSTRACT

Premature rutting on a number of recently built Saudi highways has been observed. The Ministry of Communications, in an effort to solve the problem, has initiated a number of studies and started to replace affected pavement.

The aim of this study is to identify possible factors which may relate to rutting and to recommend maintenance and repair criteria for existing rutted pavements. The study has covered nineteen sections of eleven major highways. Results indicated a direct relation between percentage of air voids, percentage of voids in mineral aggregate, percentage of voids filled with asphalt, resilient modulus at 25°C, asphalt viscosity and rutting. These properties were used as bases for maintenance criteria as well as criteria for mixes to resist rutting on Saudi roads.