FURI | Spring 2025

The Impact of Climate Change on Pavement Lifespan

Due to climate change, the Phoenix area has been experiencing longer and warmer summer temperatures, impacting pavement durability. The Dynamic Modulus is a fundamental material property measured for asphalt materials as a function of loading rate and temperature. For this reason, it can be used to analyze time- and temperature-dependent effects on pavement structures and materials. As pavement is exposed to extreme heat, the aging of the asphalt binder used in the mixtures accelerates, resulting in increased stiffness and brittleness. As a result, the probability of cracking and deterioration in the surface of asphalt pavement increases. Understanding how temperature affects pavement can help develop materials or mix designs that better withstand extreme heat, ultimately improving the lifespan of roads. As part of this research, two predictive models, Hirsch and Witczak, are investigated. The accuracy of the models to predict changes in the complex modulus of mixtures as a function of time and temperature is explored and verified by actual measurements.