Estimation of the necessary length of strengthening the pavement structure in the vicinity of a bus stop on the basis of tests carried out in a selected city

Abstract

The current design guidelines classify the pavement structure depending on the traffic category KR. In the case of bus stops located along a street, the pavement in "the bus stop area" should be designed for a KR one degree higher than the KR determined on the adjoining carriageway. Assessing the condition of the pavement in the area of 100 bus stops located in a selected city the authors noted the different service condition of the pavement along the bus wheel track in the bus stop area. The deformations of the pavement included settlements, ruts and bumps and the pavement distresses included cracks, potholes, patching, damaged curbs and manholes, etc. The horizontal forces were estimated at 19 selected bus stops variously located relative to the nearest intersection. 12 sectors were distinguished along the bus wheel track in the bus stop area and bus drive through times, speed, decelerations and accelerations were measured in these sectors. The results of the measurements were subjected to statistical analyses and the lengths of the intensified impact of the horizontal forces on the pavement and the extended duration of the bus load impact on the pavement were estimated. After the lengths of the sections with intensified horizontal forces and extended time of the impact on the pavement were compared with the locations of pavement deformations and distresses the necessary lengths of pavement strengthening at the bus stops depending on the latter’s location relative to the nearest intersection were determined. The determined lengths of pavement structure strengthening along the zones of approach to and departure from the bus stop can be used also in other cities.