An Exploratory Review of Pavement Structure Performance in Urban Public Transport Stop Areas

Urban public transport stop areas are exposed to repetitive heavy axle loads, braking actions, and prolonged static loading, conditions that significantly accelerate pavement deterioration compared to standard roadway sections. One of the most frequent forms of distress observed in these areas is rutting in asphalt mixtures, which directly affects pavement serviceability and user safety. This paper presents an exploratory investigation into the performance of pavement structures in urban public transport stop areas, based on representative situations identified in urban environments, including public transport stations located along major traffic corridors. The study reviews the primary causes of rut formation in asphalt pavements, considering material properties, traffic loading characteristics, and environmental influences specific to urban conditions. In order to complement conventional asphalt solutions, the paper further examines the use of cement concrete pavement as an alternative structural solution for heavily loaded stopping areas. A road concrete mixture was designed and laboratory-tested for application on short pavement sections with lengths of approximately 100 m. Mechanical strength, impermeability, and abrasion resistance were evaluated, as these properties are essential for ensuring long-term durability under intense urban traffic conditions. The results confirm the ability of road concrete pavements to withstand high load levels, demonstrating superior performance with respect to permanent deformation resistance, water action, and surface wear when compared to traditional asphalt solutions. The findings highlight the potential of rigid pavement alternatives for improving the structural performance and durability of public transport stop areas and provide a basis for future optimization-oriented research and field implementation.