Austroads: Transport Research and Trends

A recent Austroads research project has examined opportunities to improve the design guidelines for thin asphalt–surfaced unbound granular pavements, with a focus on their susceptibility to asphalt fatigue distress.

This webinar presents the key outcomes of the project, including insights drawn from the analysis of road network data to assess the relative performance of thin asphalt surfacing treatments. It will also discuss the methodology and findings of a shift‑factor calibration approach developed, highlighting its implications for pavement design and the prediction of thin asphalt surfacing performance.

In addition, the session introduces a practical framework for establishing project-level curvature limits to mitigate the risk of premature fatigue cracking.

Overall, the project findings provide improved guidance for material selection, design, and construction of thin asphalt-surfaced granular pavements. This webinar will be of particular interest to pavement engineers, asset managers, designers, and professionals involved in planning and delivering road rehabilitation programs.