What are the effects of climate change (e.g., increased temperatures, extreme weather events) on pavement performance and maintenance needs?

Climate change, with its associated increased temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, significantly impacts pavement performance and increases maintenance needs. Higher average temperatures can lead to increased rutting in asphalt pavements, as the asphalt binder softens and becomes more susceptible to deformation under traffic loads. Increased thermal cracking is another consequence, even though higher average temperatures may seem beneficial, more extreme high and low temperature swings increase the stress cycles. Extreme heat events can cause asphalt pavements to bleed, where excess asphalt binder rises to the surface, reducing skid resistance. Increased precipitation and flooding can damage pavement structures by saturating the subgrade, reducing its load-bearing capacity and leading to premature failure. Freeze-thaw cycles can be more frequent and intense in some regions, causing cracking and deterioration of both asphalt and concrete pavements. Sea level rise can inundate coastal roadways, causing erosion, corrosion, and structural damage. More frequent and intense storms can cause washouts, landslides, and debris flows, damaging or destroying roadways and bridges. These climate-related impacts increase the need for pavement maintenance and rehabilitation, requiring more frequent inspections, repairs, and reconstruction. Adapting pavement design and materials to withstand these changing conditions is crucial. This may involve using more heat-resistant asphalt binders, improving drainage systems, and incorporating resilient materials that can withstand extreme weather events. Also, it is critical to perform more frequent and thorough inspections to detect and address pavement distresses before they become severe.