Evaluation of Transverse Cracking in Flexible Pavements Using Field Investigation and AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design

Transverse cracking is a major distress in asphalt pavements in north-western Oklahoma. Assessment of probable causes of such distresses is helpful to the design of new pavements and maintenance and rehabilitation of existing pavements. In this study, probable causes of transverse cracking were identified using field investigation and a parametric study using AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design. Specifically, non-destructive and destructive tests were performed on two flexible pavement sections, namely US 270 and US 287 in Oklahoma. Also, soil samples and asphalt cores were collected for laboratory testing. The Ground Penetrating Radar results revealed that the disturbance zone was confined within the pavement structure and cracks were generated at the surface and propagated downward at both sites. The Dynamic Cone Penetration and Falling Weight Deflectometer test results indicated that both pavement sections were structurally adequate to support the current level of traffic for 10 years or more, with proper maintenance. The cracking resistance of the asphalt cores collected from both pavement sections was ranked as poor based on the Illinois Flexibility Index Test. The field and laboratory investigations indicated that stiffer and brittle asphalt mixes at both sites resulting from aging during the long service life were primarily responsible for the transverse cracking observed in the field. Also, a large number of thermal cycles with significant difference between low and high temperature, observed from the weather data, was a likely contributing factor. In addition to field and laboratory investigations, a parametric study was conducted using the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design. The influence of the changes in pavement structural components, material properties and the average hourly temperature on transverse cracking was examined. Binder grade and pavement thickness were found to be the most influential factors. A hybrid approach involving field and laboratory testing and a parametric study using the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design was found to be a useful tool for assessment of probable causes of transverse cracking in asphalt pavements.