A Review of the Impact of Wheel Load on Flexible Pavement Under Submerged Conditions

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the impact of wheel load on the performance of flexible pavement under submerged conditions. Moisture ingress plays a major role in accelerating pavement failure. Flexible pavements represent a significant area of pavement engineering practice and research. Most pavements are flexible, they are supported by soil and have a flexible surface that can deform elastically under load. The review starts with the structural mechanics of flexible pavements, in which the behaviour of the different layers and the effects of wheel load distributions are discussed. It also explains how water seeps into the pavement and adversely affects its mechanical properties, leading to rutting, fatigue cracking, and material stripping. Analysing existing models, including analytical, finite element (FEM), and mechanistic-empirical, has emerged as the most effective for submerged pavement analysis, though each has limitations. However, incorporating climate resistance is crucial for predicting the performance of submerged pavement. A review of field and laboratory studies emphasises the necessity of obtaining empirical data to support model validation. In conclusion, it is important to incorporate measures to make pavements more moisture-resistant, adopt better modelling approaches, and address climate change. Future investigations should generate experimental data under submerged conditions and explore new materials and technologies to mitigate the effects of wheel load and moisture. This will help improve the performance of flexible pavements in waterlogged conditions.