Analyses of Frost Susceptible Flexible Pavement Adaption for Climate Change

Climate change has major implications on the durability and performance of a pavement. The smoothness of pavement in freeze climate zone is affected by seasonal frost heave and thaw weakening, which are subjected to the effects of climate change. This paper proposed a new empirical International Roughness Index (IRI) model, which captures seasonal environmental influence on road sections. The model was nationally calibrated for flexible pavements deal with seasonal freezing/thawing via data from the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTTP). The calibrated new model is suitable for analyzing the climatic impacts of frost action to flexible pavement. The future climate conditions are predicted based on different climate scenarios. The new IRI model is combined with the climate forecast to analyze the effects of climate change on the pavement. Case studies for three sites at different climatic regions were conducted, from which the regional climate adaptation is suggested. The analyses provide guidance on planning and adaptation for flexible pavement with respect to climate change.