Comprehensive analysis of flexible pavement performance in continental climate conditions: A case study from Uzbekistan

Abstract

This paper presents a detailed investigation into the structural and functional performance of asphalt pavements under continental climatic conditions, with a focus on Uzbekistan. The study combines multi-year field observations, material testing, climate modeling, and finite element analysis to evaluate the impact of freeze-thaw cycles, thermal stresses, and moisture variations. A new pavement performance index (PPI) is proposed, integrating rutting, cracking, and roughness into a unified metric. Empirical results from three road segments (Tashkent-Samarkand, Fergana-Andijan, and Bukhara-Navoi) are used to validate the model. Recommendations are provided for climate-resilient pavement design strategies applicable across Central Asia.