Analysis methodology and assessment indices of vulnerability for asphalt pavement in cold regions

Asphalt pavement structures in cold regions, which suffer from complicated environmental and geological conditions, such as large temperature difference and frozen soil, are prone to cracking, rutting, and moisture damage. However, most of the existing assessment methodologies focus on the vulnerability of the overall road traffic network, ignoring the impact of regional differences and pavements’ structural performance. To establish a highly targeted vulnerability analysis methodology for cold regional asphalt pavements, the concept of highway vulnerability and the assessment model composed of exposure, fragility, and resilience were proposed in this paper firstly. Meanwhile, the assessment indices and standards for exposure, fragility, and resilience were respectively discussed. Then, the calculation process for each index weight and vulnerability index was proposed based on AHP-fuzzy comprehensive assessment methodology. Consequently, the vulnerability grade of asphalt pavements in cold regions could be determined. Finally, the vulnerability assessment indices and methodology for cold regional asphalt pavements were illustrated and presented, providing a theoretical basis for asphalt pavement performance evaluation and vulnerability assessment serviced under cold regional climate. © The Author(s) 2021.