ABSTRACT
In this study, we investigate how an increase in road temperature influences the structural rolling resistance of a heavy vehicle. The structural rolling resistance (SRR) is defined as the dissipated energy due to pavement deflection under a moving load. It is measured using a newly proposed method, which is based on the relationship between SRR and the slope of the deflection basin underneath the load. Using the Traffic Speed Deflectometer technology, we measured SRR on the same road under two different road temperatures, 18°C and 35°C respectively. On average, an increase in SRR of 59% was observed, with some areas of the road having up to 400% increase. This indicates that under warm road conditions SRR might have a significant effect on the overall rolling resistance of a heavy vehicle.
