The objective of this synthesis was to document and summarize the findings from the various experimental activities associated with full-scale accelerated pavement testing (APT) programs. These programs have generated significant findings and benefits with regard to pavement design, analysis, evaluation, and construction practices over the last 30 years. For this report, APT was defined as the controlled application of wheel loading to pavement structures for the purpose of simulating the effects of long-term in-service loading conditions in a compressed time period. The focus of the synthesis was on the reported findings and their application to research and practice. The actual and potential benefits to the U.S. pavement community are addressed. Secondary areas of interest include relevant airfield pavement research, environmental effects, newly initiated programs, coordination efforts between programs and partners, future directions and strategies, and obstacles and lessons learned. A comprehensive literature review was conducted and a questionnaire, which was distributed internationally, was used to gather unpublished information. (Author/publisher) This report may be accessed by Internet users at http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/nchrp/nchrp_syn_325.pdf
Abstract