What is the minimum pavement thickness for turnouts made of asphalt?

The minimum pavement thickness for turnouts made of asphalt is generally set at 100 mm. This thickness is specified to ensure adequate strength and durability under the various loads that turnouts will experience throughout their lifespan. Turnouts are areas where vehicles may transition from one roadway to another, and they undergo significant stress due to the weight of vehicles, especially larger ones such as trucks and buses.

A thickness of 100 mm provides a robust structure that can support these loads while minimizing deformation and failure. It helps to distribute the loads effectively across the pavement substrate, reducing the likelihood of cracking, rutting, and other pavement distresses.

Thinner pavements can lead to premature failure, increased maintenance costs, and safety hazards due to degraded surface conditions. Consequently, specifications for turnout thickness take into account factors such as traffic volume, vehicle types, subgrade conditions, and local climate, all emphasizing the importance of maintaining a minimum thickness like 100 mm to achieve performance and longevity.