Premature Pavement Distresses of Cracks and Rutting Analysis and Mechanical Analysis in Ultra-Thin Asphalt Pavement

The ultra-thin asphalt pavement with a thin surface layer compared to traditional pavement structure appears to show distinctive premature pavement distresses such as significant cracks and rutting. The research establishes models simulating National Highway 1 in Congo (Brazzaville) by MEPDG software. Considering load level and material properties, the research analyzes the reasons for premature pavement distresses in ultra-thin asphalt pavement. By adjusting the key factors of modulus and thickness of each layer, the simulation arrives at the 95% reliability requirements of pavement structural strength such as down-top cracks and rutting. The research also predicts the performance of various pavement structures to resist high traffic growth rate, and draws conclusions about reasonable indicator trends of ultra-thin asphalt pavement.