Abstract
The use of wavelet analysis to locate and assess changes in pavement profile characteristics over time and their links to contributing factors are discussed. This assessment approach was applied to a number of sections from two major freight routes in Victoria, Australia, between 2004 and 2009. Roughness progression rates in the different wavebands for different sites were determined and compared with each other after consideration of the contribution of traffic loading, climatic conditions, pavement composition, and subgrade soil type and the interaction of these factors. Segments within each site that experienced localized progression were also identified. For the sections tested, traffic loading and soil and climate conditions were found to be the most dominant contributors to pavement roughness progression in short and long wavebands. Sites with highly reactive subgrade soils tended to develop higher roughness contents in the longer wavebands and progress at high rates. A distinct localized increase in roughness was observed for all the sites in certain wavebands. Findings of the study confirm that wavelet analysis was a valuable tool for use at the project level in pavement management to locate the problematic segments of any road section and identify the cause of deterioration; these determinations helped in selecting the appropriate treatment method.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.