Field-Based Assessment of Pavement Performance through Seasonal Comparison of Measured and Modelled Strain and Stress Responses

This study presents a year-long comparison between field-measured and simulated pavement responses to evaluate the performance of a KENPAVE model under real traffic and environmental conditions. An instrumented test section in Edmonton, Alberta, was equipped with Asphalt Strain Transducers, Earth Pressure Cells, and environmental sensors to monitor horizontal and vertical strains and stresses. Traffic data were obtained via Weigh-In-Motion systems, while asphalt properties were characterized through Dynamic Modulus testing. The KENPAVE model was used to simulate monthly pavement responses. Results showed good agreement with measured horizontal strains in warmer months, but substantial overestimations occurred in colder conditions. Vertical strains were consistently underpredicted, leading to an overestimation of rutting life by a factor of 6.14. Fatigue life was underestimated by 22%, though it remained the dominant failure mode. Findings highlight the value of long-term sensor data in refining pavement design models and underscore the need for better temperature-stiffness characterization in cold regions.