Introduction. The article investigates the impact of atmospheric precipitation on road structures, specifically focusing on water infiltration into the roadside soil along highways, which is a critical aspect of road infrastructure maintenance. Ensuring the reliable operation of the roadway is becoming increasingly important due to rising traffic loads and climate changes that result in increased precipitation. Continuous moisture penetration into the road embankment can lead to road degradation, creating risks for safe traffic movement and necessitating frequent repairs. It is essential to develop and implement effective methods for assessing moisture infiltration into the soil, which will help ensure the longevity and cost-efficiency of road operation.
Problem Statement. With climate change and increasing intensity of precipitation, the issue of assessing its impact on road structures becomes more relevant. Moisture accumulation in the road embankment can disrupt the stability of the soil foundation, reducing the load-bearing capacity of the road surface. Research aimed at analyzing rainfall infiltration and its effect on road structures will allow the implementation of effective solutions to maintain the operational condition of roads.
Objective. The objective of this study is to compare two main methods for assessing the amount of precipitation infiltrating the roadside soil along highways, taking into account different climatic and geological conditions. The research aims to identify the advantages and limitations of each method for further application in road engineering practice to ensure the reliability of road infrastructure.
Materials and Methods. The study utilized statistical methods to analyze precipitation data from various sources, calculating Pearson correlation coefficients. This allowed an assessment of the relationship between precipitation data and its impact on roadside soil. Additionally, the study compared two methodologies: the method of regulating the hydrothermal regime of road structures, which accounts for seasonal climatic changes, and the method of using geosynthetic materials to control water infiltration.
Results. Data analysis showed that all three sets of meteorological data have a high degree of correlation, indicating consistency across different sources and their suitability for scientific calculations. The comparison of methods revealed that the method of regulating the hydrothermal regime takes into account natural and seasonal factors affecting the moisture infiltration process, but its application is complex due to the large amount of input data required and the need for parameter adjustments to achieve accurate results. The method involving the use of geosynthetic materials proved to be more effective in conditions of increased moisture and in areas with complicated geological conditions, as it allows for better control of water ingress into the roadside using modern technical solutions.
Conclusions. The study concluded that both methods can be effectively applied to assess precipitation infiltration into roadside soil depending on the specific project conditions. The method of regulating the hydrothermal regime is more suitable for projects where seasonal climate changes and natural processes need to be considered. On the other hand, the geosynthetic materials method is more effective in areas with high moisture levels and complex geological conditions. The research results will contribute to improving design solutions for road operation in the context of climate change and enhancing the resilience of road structures to the effects of precipitation. Further research should focus on improving existing methodologies and developing new approaches to increase the reliability of road structures.
