investigation of rutting behavior and factors affecting the occurrence of pavement rutting

Pavement rutting, the permanent deformation characterized by longitudinal depressions in the wheel paths, represents a critical mode of distress in flexible pavements that compromises ride quality, vehicle safety through increased hydroplaning risk, and overall service life. this report presents a comprehensive investigation into the complex rutting behavior of asphalt concrete, focusing on identifying and analyzing the primary mechanisms and the multifaceted factors governing its occurrence. the study delineates the fundamental mechanisms of rutting into densification and, more critically, plastic shear flow within the asphalt layer or subgrade. through a detailed review and analysis, the key contributing factors are systematically examined, including material properties such as asphalt binder grade and rheology, aggregate gradation and characteristics, mixture design variables, alongside influential external factors such as elevated pavement temperatures, heavy and repetitive axle loads, and inadequate structural design or construction practices. furthermore, the report evaluates common laboratory test methods, like the asphalt mixture performance tester and hamburg wheel-tracking test, used to assess rutting potential. ultimately, the investigation concludes that rutting is a multifaceted problem predominantly driven by shear failure under high temperatures and heavy loads, and it provides synthesized recommendations for mitigation through improved material selection, optimized mix designs utilizing polymer-modified binders and stone skeleton structures, and enhanced structural and construction specifications to ensure longer-lasting pavement infrastructure.