Pavement Sustainability Implications of Different Lateral Wander Modes for Autonomous Trucks

Abstract

Autonomous trucks can bring changes in transport infrastructure in terms of sustainability based on the type of lateral wander mode used. In this research, two lateral wander modes, a zero wander and a uniform wander mode, are analysed based on their applicability for sustainability in terms of CO₂ emissions. Life cycle analysis has been performed for the analysis period of 30 y for the pavement section of 10 km, along with fatigue predictions. Results show that zero wander mode generates more emissions as a result of premature fatigue damage under channelized loading. The uniform wander mode yields 20 % fewer emissions. Moreover, the use of full-depth reclamation during the pavement's Life Cycle improves the CO₂ emissions by 15 % when compared to traditional removal and reconstruction methods. Therefore, the uniform wander mode is favourable for the improvement of pavement sustainability in terms of CO₂ emissions.