Types of Rutting
Have you ever noticed those depressions and surface irregularities on roads that seem to appear more prominently after rain? Those are called "ruts," and they can significantly impact the performance and durability of pavements.
The three main types of rutting include:
1) Mix rutting
Mix rutting occurs when the pavement surface experiences wheelpath depressions due to compaction or mix design problems, but the subgrade remains unaffected. This type of rutting is often a result of inadequate mix design or manufacture, or poor mix selection.
2) Subgrade rutting
Subgrade rutting (or structural rutting) is caused by wheelpath depressions in the subgrade under traffic loading. The pavement settles into these subgrade ruts, resulting in surface depressions and compromised road conditions.
3) Densification
Densification stems from insufficient compaction during pavement construction. As traffic loads continue to impact the pavement, it undergoes further compaction, leading to surface deformations over time.
How to get started with identifying ruts
The Automated Road Analyser (ARAN LCMS) can automatically identify ruts (both depth and type) on road surfaces.
Click here to download a free technical brochure.
References
Albayati, A.H. (2023). A review of rutting in asphalt concrete pavement. 13(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1515/eng-2022-0463.
Ahmed Samah Shyaa and Ir Dr Raha Abd Rahma (2022). Review: Asphalt Pavement Rutting Distress and Affects on Traffics Safety. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 10(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.17265/2328-2142/2022.01.004.
Pavement Interactive (n.d.). Rutting. Available at: https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-management/pavement-distresses/rutting/