Dimensionamento estrutural do pavimento para o sistema de BRT de Maceió

Abstract

Given its relevance to thousands of people, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) system requires rigorous planning and assurance of flawless operation. In this context, the pavement structure, an essential component of the system, plays a critical role in ensuring the durability and success of the project. This study proposes the design of a concrete pavement for implementing the BRT system along Lourival Melo Mota, Durval de Góes Monteiro, and Fernandes Lima avenues in Maceió, focusing on its structure and costs. The methodology is based on four stages: i) characterization of the BRT route, considering the starting and ending points and the lane widths; ii) traffic study to define the design vehicle and the expected number of load repetitions; iii) subgrade analysis to characterize the soil and determine its CBR (California Bearing Ratio); and iv) design of the concrete pavement using the PCA/1984 method and analysis of the costs involved in constructing the structure, excluding costs related to the construction site, road signage, earthworks, and material transportation. Due to the low quality of the soil, the designed pavement consists of a subgrade reinforcement layer, in addition to subbase and concrete surface layers. The concrete surface layer accounts for 65.2% of the total cost, given its high unit cost and the greater quantity of material required. The proposed structure meets the demands of heavy traffic, ensuring durability and operational efficiency for the BRT system. Thus, this study aims to contribute to improving public transportation and urban mobility in Maceió.