Influence of Roadway Surface Holes on the Potential for Vehicle Loss of Control (328-2F)

Holes in pavement or 'Potholes' have long been a source of aggravation for the motoring public and possible causes of accidents. It is the safety related aspect of potholes that has been investigated by Texas Transportation Institute, sponsored by The Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation. The research concentrated on establishing baseline data from four typical passenger vehicles impacting holes of various lengths and depths with square edges. The study involved field tests, test track work and computer modeling. Various controlled experiments were conducted at the TTI Proving Ground to establish the drop rate of different vehicle suspension systems. These drop rates or trajectories were then used with observed tire deformation effects to determine limits of safety.|The stability of the vehicles striking relatively large potholes was found not to be affected, in that the path was not changed. The only safety related influence of holes identified in this study was damage to tires and rims, with the associated potential for an air-out. The incipient points of potential safety related damage in terms of hole length, depth, vehicle speed and vehicle type has been defined and presented in this study.