Rutting is one of the most common forms of distress in hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements, significantly affecting ride quality, safety, and structural performance. This study investigates the contributions of individual pavement structural layers—including the surface course, base course, and subgrade—to the overall rutting performance of HMA pavements. Through a combination of field observations, laboratory testing, and mechanistic-empirical analysis, the research quantifies the extent to which each layer influences permanent deformation under repeated traffic loading.

The results indicate that rutting is not solely governed by the asphalt surface layer but is a cumulative effect of deformation occurring across all structural layers. The asphalt layer contributes significantly at early loading stages due to material properties and temperature susceptibility, while the base and subgrade layers play a dominant role in long-term rut development, particularly under heavy traffic and inadequate compaction conditions. Factors such as layer thickness, material stiffness, moisture content, and load magnitude are found to critically affect rutting progression.

The findings highlight the importance of a holistic pavement design approach that considers the structural capacity and interaction of all layers rather than focusing only on surface mix design. Improved material selection, proper construction practices, and optimized layer configurations are recommended to enhance rutting resistance and extend pavement service life.

LOKASI: Rak Penelitian 2