Pavement Performance Evaluation of Three Canadian Low-Volume Test Roads

Abstract

New and improved pavement technologies are developed through laboratory investigations, construction and maintenance, theoretical analyses, long-term performance studies such as the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and the Canadian SHRP, and integrated programs of laboratory and field research. The latter, integrated approach is the subject of this study. Although various test roads have been placed in Canada over the past several decades, this study focuses on three test roads that examine low-volume road performance. These test roads are located in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta and are being monitored by three Canadian universities. The background, test road objectives and location, design of the test roads and instrumentation, construction, and vehicle testing are first summarized briefly. Then, some ongoing projects at the three test roads and how results from the three test roads can be used either individually or collectively to improve current practices within Canada are discussed, with a focus on low-volume road technologies. Particular emphasis is placed on the performance of low-volume resource roads with respect to both traffic loading and environmental conditions. Findings from these studies will also be useful in the Canadian national calibration of the new Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide.