Mechanistic-Based Parametric Model for Predicting Rolling Resistance of Flexible Pavements

The structural rolling resistance (SRR) is the component of rolling resistance that occurs due to the viscoelastic deformation of the pavement structure. In this paper, a simple model to calculate the energy dissipation due to the SRR on flexible pavements is developed for use in applications such as life cycle cost analysis and life cycle assessment. First, the energy dissipated by different vehicles was calculated on ten flexible pavement sections using a fully mechanistic approach. Using the program ViscoWave II-M to simulate the vehicles moving along the pavement sections, the energy dissipation was calculated as the work done by the vehicle to overcome the slope seen by the wheels due to the pavement deformation. The results were then used to develop a simple and rapid-to-use model to predict the energy dissipation on any flexible pavement. The model consists of a predictive function that can provide the value of the SRR energy dissipation given the loading conditions (speed, loads, tire pressure, and pavement temperature), and information on the pavement structure (phase angle of the HMA layer at specific temperatures and loading frequencies, and pavement deflection under a specific static load).