Variability of Gravel Pavement Roughness: An Analysis of the Impact on Vehicle Dynamic Response and Driving Comfort

Gravel pavement has lower construction costs but poorer performance than asphalt surfaces on roads. It also emits dust and deforms under the impact of vehicle loads ambient air factors; resulting ripples ruts constantly deepen, therefore increase vibrations fuel consumption, reduce safe driving speed comfort. In this study, existing quality evaluation indexes are analysed, a methodology for adapting them roads with gravel is proposed. We report measured wave depth length profile using straightedge method 160 m long road section at three stages utilization. The elevation was processed according to ISO 8608, frequency response investigated simulations in MATLAB/Simulink. international roughness index (IRI) analysis showed that 30–45 km/h instead 80 provided objective results IRI calculation flexible due decreasing velocity vehicle’s unsprung mass more deteriorated state. influence corrugation phenomenon explored, identifying specific safety comfort cases. Finally, an dynamic load coefficient (DLC) low 30 most high 90 middle-quality demonstrated demand timely maintenance complicated prediction drivers. main relevant objectives study adaptation indicator pavement, including responses different speeds deterioration states.