Rutting measurement in asphalt pavements

Rutting's impact on riding safety and comfort prompts highway agencies to advance the development of accurate, efficient, and cost-effective rutting measurement methods. This study systematically analyzed over 40 articles and compared over 20 pieces of equipment to investigate the advancements in research and practice related to field rutting measurement on pavement roads. The findings revealed that rut bars and 3D line-laser-imaging systems are the most popular measurement technologies in research and industry. Rutting depth was identified as the predominant measure for characterizing pavement rutting. However, continuous profiling systems enabled the emergence of other rutting indices tailored for specific purposes like safety and comfort evaluation. Articulated future demanding research topics include: (1) selection of rutting indices; (2) optimization of reporting methods including sampling frequency and segmentation strategies; (3) use of non-destructive technologies such as ground penetrating radar to identify rutting mechanisms; and (4) the development of low-cost methods for rutting measurement.