Analysis of IRI degradation components in HDM-4 under different climatic and structural conditions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58922/transportes.v34.e3113

Keywords:

HDM-4, IRI, Degradation, Calibration

Abstract

The International Roughness Index (IRI) is one of the main indicators of pavement functional condition and serves as a key parameter for maintenance planning by road agencies. Preserving surface quality is directly related to user safety, ride comfort, and reduced operating costs. Therefore, predicting the evolution of IRI over time enables more efficient resource allocation and maintenance scheduling. This study aims to identify and quantify, through the Highway Development and Management (HDM-4) model, the contribution of IRI degradation mechanisms (environmental, structural, cracking, rutting, and potholing), considering variables such as climate, traffic volume, pavement type, structural number, and surface thickness. Five specific calibrations, derived from real road data, were analyzed in addition to the software’s default calibration, under simulated scenarios without corrective maintenance. The results indicate that the combination of high temperatures and large thermal amplitudes accelerate environmental and structural degradation, while increased traffic volume intensifies the effects of cracking and rutting. Pavements with lower structural numbers and thinner surfaces exhibited faster IRI progression, highlighting the combined influence of climatic and structural conditions on pavement durability.

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References

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Published

2026-02-23

How to Cite

Rios de Andrade, D., Yukio Suzuki, C. and Molz, C. (2026) “Analysis of IRI degradation components in HDM-4 under different climatic and structural conditions”, Transportes, 34, p. e3113. doi: 10.58922/transportes.v34.e3113.

Issue

Vol. 34 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Diego Rios de Andrade, Carlos Yukio Suzuki, Carine Molz

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Last update: 11/27/2025