The WesTrack Project was a full-scale accelerated pavement testing study designed to evaluate the performance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) under controlled yet realistic traffic loading conditions. The primary objective was to develop and validate performance-related specifications (PRS) that link measurable material properties and construction quality directly to long-term pavement performance.

This study investigated the relationships between asphalt mixture characteristics, construction variability, and key distress mechanisms such as rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking. Test sections were constructed with varying material properties and compaction levels, then subjected to heavy truck loading to simulate years of service within a short timeframe.

Results demonstrated that traditional specification methods based solely on volumetric properties are insufficient to ensure consistent pavement performance. Instead, the findings support the adoption of PRS frameworks that incorporate mechanistic-empirical models, allowing agencies to predict pavement life and performance more accurately. The study also highlighted the critical influence of density, air voids, and binder content on durability and structural integrity.

The WesTrack Project ultimately provided a foundation for modern asphalt specification practices, emphasizing performance prediction, risk assessment, and pay adjustment systems tied to expected pavement life. These recommendations aim to improve construction quality, optimize lifecycle costs, and enhance the reliability of asphalt pavements.

LOKASI: Rak Penelitian 2