INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE CONDITIONS AND PAVEMENT STRUCTURE ON THE BEARING CAPACITY OF ROADS IN EXPLOITATION

Bearing capacity changes for specific pavement types (flexible and semi-rigid) due to the influence of climate factors have been established by measuring pavement deflections in all seasons. Changes of structural condition of the pavement due to climate influences, and their effect on the subgrade and the surfacing, have been observed in particular. Similarly, changes of bearing capacity along the cross section of individual pavement types have also been studied by measuring the deflections at different distances from the pavement edge. The necessary correlations and parameters required for evaluating the bearing capacity of the observed pavement types have been defined by tests performed in favourable and unfavourable periods of exploitation. The relations established in this way can be useful in a more comprehensive evaluation of the structural condition of the pavement in exploitation, and for the definition of the necessary strengthening. (Author/TRRL)