Impact of Pavement Defects on Traffic Operational Performance

Abstract

The present research investigates the influence of pavement distresses on traffic operational performance in terms of speed and capacity. The pavement distresses are expressed by the pavement condition index (PCI). Three roads of multi-lane highways located on the road network of Kafrelsheikh governorate, Egypt, were chosen as a case study. Road geometry, pavement condition characteristics, and traffic volume were collected manually from 23 sections for field data surveys. For speed measurements, spot speed data were gathered using the stopwatch method under the free-flow conditions, and the percentile speeds (V50% and V85%) have been calculated for different vehicles classes. Traffic capacity was determined via extrapolation of the quadratic function. Regression analysis models were created to express the relationships of both the percentile speeds and traffic capacity as dependent variables, and three independent variables (PCI, lane, and shoulder widths). These empirical mathematical relations help in developing road design and maintenance works on multi-lane highways. The main conclusion of the study demonstrated that traffic operational performance was more significantly affected by pavement distresses than road geometry. Moreover, the results indicated that pavement distresses have a significant impact on light vehicles more than heavy ones.

Stabilization of Loose Soils as Part of Sustainable Development of Road Infrastructure

“…It is in our common interest to ensure the high efficiency of roads and reduce their impact on the surrounding environment. Research shows that soil erosion and surface distortions negatively affect traffic, thereby increasing CO 2 and PM emissions [21]. Increased concentrations of heavy metal compounds in surrounding road soils have also been confirmed [17].…”

“…The stabilization process itself can incorporate elements of recycling and CO 2 emissions reduction. Consequently, better road quality will lead to increased efficiency and fluidity of transportation, as well as the impact of traffic on the surrounding environment-reducing noise and decreasing emissions of harmful compounds into the atmosphere [17,21].…”