METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING AND PREDICTING PAVEMENT PERFORMANCE IN OIL FIELD AREAS

A basic methodology for estimating the amount and type of oil field traffic on a selected roadway is outlined. The Texas Pavement Distress Equations were used to predict reductions in pavement service life caused by oil filed truck traffic. The procedure used a case study example to identify and delineate major oil field activity centers. Several density maps were developed to depict the extent of drilling and production activity in the study area. Truck traffic generated in these centers was converted to 18-kip equivalent single axle load repetitions; these were analyzed for their effect on 6- and 10-in. surface-treated pavements. Resulting pavement service lives were compared for various measures of pavement distress (pavement serviceability index, rutting, alligatoring, flushing, and raveling). This technique can be used to anticipate resurfacing intervals and rehabilitation requirements.