Smoothness Matters - The influence of pavement on fuel consumption
"Vehicle emissions are major contributors to greenhouse gases, and one of the keys to reducing emissions is reducing consumption of fuel used by cars and trucks on our roadways. While auto makers continue to make progress on improving fuel efficiency of the engines in the vehicles they manufacture, researchers and state transportation agencies are looking at additional ways to reduce emissions.
One area of study is the influence that pavement characteristics have on vehicle fuel consumption. Since slight changes in vehicle fuel economy may have dramatic effects when amassed over a state, country or time frame, slight changes in pavement characteristics could result in meaningful improvements in fuel economy.
There are generally three pavement characteristics that are being explored in an effort to reduce vehicle fuel consumption: pavement-tire rolling resistance, pavement stiffness or viscoelasticity, and pavement texture or smoothness. Pavement texture or smoothness affects rolling resistance by influencing the energy loss due to friction
Results from this study indicated that trucks running on slightly smoother pavement could reduce fuel consumption by 4.5 percent.
Not only do smoother pavements reduce fuel consumption, but they also reduce vehicle operating costs and driver fatigue by minimizing tire bounce and load impacts.
Keeping a road smooth begins with a well-engineered foundation and pavement structure. In other words, Perpetual Pavement is the beginning of fuel efficiency through smoothness. It is to this nation’s advantage that so many of our existing asphalt pavements meet the definition of perpetual. They can remain in place for the long haul, with only periodic replacement of pavement surface to eliminate distresses and restore the ride quality.
Studies have shown that stone matrix asphalt and other modern asphalt mixes can provide surfaces that will last in excess of 20 years.
One thing is clear, of all characteristics of pavement, smoothness is the major determinant of fuel economy."
View the Source:
Smoothness Matters PDF from the Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan
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