Evaluación de la influencia del parque automotor eléctrico sobre las estructuras de pavimento flexible de la malla vial en Bogotá

Abstract

Currently in Colombia, the purchase and use of electric vehicles are being promoted. This is due to the fact that, in environmental terms, this type of technology tends to pollute less compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles. However, the batteries used in electric vehicles have a greater weight compared to gasoline or diesel engines, which directly affects pavement design, as increased loads and pressures are placed on these road structures. This research project focuses on evaluating the influence of electric vehicles on the design of flexible pavement structures in the road network of Bogotá. The research problem is centered on understanding how the increasing presence of electric vehicles could influence the design of flexible pavement structures in the city of Bogotá. For this purpose, a thorough analysis of the weight and load distribution of electric vehicles was carried out compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Subsequently, an evaluation of the impact of these vehicles was developed based on pavement simulations, using the method established by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO, 1993), for pavement structure design. The results of this study aim to have a significant impact on the development and planning of road infrastructure in Bogotá, by showing that electric vehicles, being heavier than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles, require more robust flexible pavement structures in terms of layer dimensions. This leads to an increase in construction and maintenance costs associated with these structures to ensure the long-term durability and safety of the roads. Likewise, it is expected that the presented results will contribute valuable information to adequately consider the transition to an electric vehicle fleet, as well as serve as a reference for students, academic researchers, and entities studying aspects related to mobility, transportation, and road infrastructure design in Bogotá and the country. Finally, this study is aligned with the research lines of the TOPOVIAL and Center for Studies in Pavements and Sustainable Materials groups, affiliated with the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources of the Francisco José de Caldas District University.