Effect of temperature on service life of flexible pavement using finite element analysis

Temperature is one of the most critical elements that influence the rutting and fatigue resistance of flexible pavements. Particularly in extreme hot regions in Saudi Arabia, high temperature would significantly reduce the rutting resistance of flexible pavements leading to reduction of pavement service life. Due to the impacts of global warming, average temperature in Saudi Arabia is expected to further increase by about 4C by the end of the 21st century. The substantial increase in average temperature will elevate the expected pavement maintenance and rehabilitation cost. This paper analyzes the structural effects of temperature on pavement using layered elastic analysis based on finite element techniques. The research team calculated the potential loss of pavement service life due to the projected temperature increase and climate change. The paper also analyzed potential impact of using carbon waste in asphalt concrete to tackle the derogatory impacts of temperature rise.