Pavement performance levels causing human health risks

Abstract

This study investigates performance thresholds of hot mix asphalt pavements in terms of health risks from vibrations affecting drivers of passenger cars on urban roads. The whole-body vibration values in vertical direction are measured at various riding speeds at some pavement sections that are on the pavement condition index (PCI) rating scale proposed by the PAVER system, while the vibration values (VDVz) are calculated. Evaluation results reveal that pavement performance levels have to be at least "fair" (PCI scale range between 55 and 70) to ensure that the health of human body is not negatively affected at 50 km/h riding speed during a daily 8-hour driving.