The use of a multi-set-up, reduced-scale accelerated trafficking simulator for evaluating roadway systems and products

Abstract

This paper describes the use of an accelerated trafficking device, the one-third scale model mobile load simulator (MMLS3), for evaluating roadway systems and products. While the majority of accelerated load testers have focused on investigating rutting behaviours and moisture damage susceptibility of bituminous materials, this paper sheds light on broader applications using the MMLS3, including accelerated tests on field sections, scaled pavement structures, roadway reflective markings, roadway slip-resistant plates, in addition to performance evaluation tests on hot-mix asphalt mixtures. Results of experiments for the various applications indicate that the MMLS3, when equipped with ancillary instrumentation and devices, is a valuable tool for investigating the structural responses of a roadway system and for evaluating the effectiveness and durability of roadway pavement products. This study shows that the results of accelerated trafficking tests using the MMLS3 are comparable with field full-scale accelerated tests due to the nature of similitude in the MMLS3 design. Using the MMLS3 for accelerated traffic testing for practical and research purposes in the area of pavement engineering is a reliable and economical alternative to full-scale accelerated testing, given the savings in the required time and resources.

Keywords:

• pavement infrastructure
• pavement evaluation
• MMLS3
• accelerated trafficking
• accelerated pavement tester

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Rohm and Haas Company for their financial support and Mr Dan Fura for the technical support.