DefinePK

Abstract

This research aims at determining whether a correlation exists between trees planted alongside highways and distresses in asphalt concrete (AC) pavements. The root system of the trees could cause significant distress to the pavement depending on the tree’s location, tree species, and the spreading of the root system. In this research two models for calculation of the correlation between the root systems and distresses were used: a statistical model and a geospatial model using the ArcGIS software. Twelve types of trees were identified in the study area which comprised of ten urban arterials around the capital, Amman. The Present Serviceability Index (PSI) was adopted as the evaluation criterion and rating measurement of the pavement section, and was calculated based on observations and measurements of the slope variance, rutting, and cracking and patching. From the field survey during the research, it was found that more than 90% of the distresses associated with the trees were longitudinal and transverse cracking. According to the results of the modelling, it was found that only four of these tree types had a correlation value higher than 50% with distresses. The results of the analysis allows proposing guidelines for tree farming along highways in Jordan based on the scientific and research findings.