ABSTRACT
The southbound pavement section between Turnol and Taxila (N-5) is one of the most critical sections of highway network in Pakistan. There is poor performance history and premature failure, exclusively due to wheel path rutting in the outer lane. Heavy traffic, generated from Margalla aggregate quarries, Lawrence Pur (sand source), and the steel and cement industries from the vicinity passes through this section and feed most of the cities of Southern Punjab. The pavement was constructed during the eighteenth century and its performance had never been satisfactory. Since the independence of Pakistan in 1947 ever-increasing axle loads have caused this section to be rehabilitated many times and the pavement has hardly survived more than one complete seasonal cycle. Maximum and minimum air temperature during the summer ranges from 23◦C to 40◦C and in winters from 3◦C to 17◦C. Heavy rainfall usually occurs from July to September and during the months of February and March.
