Evaluating the structural performance of eRoad pavements: impact of inductive charging coils on mechanical behaviour

Electric Road Systems (ERS) are pivotal in advancing Electric Vehicle (EV) technology by enabling dynamic wireless charging through integrated elements in roadway infrastructure. These systems extend EV range and reduce the need for frequent recharging, while supporting smaller batteries. In contactless ERS, inductive coils are embedded in pavement layers, leaving the road surface unaltered, unlike ground-based conductive systems. However, the long-term effects of embedded coils on the mechanical response and integrity of pavement structures, particularly under Canadian climatic and traffic conditions, remain underexplored. This study evaluates the mechanical performance of electrified road (eRoad) pavements with inductive coils, compared to traditional pavements (tRoad). Sensor-based monitoring assessed the performance of three full-scale pavement structures (two eRoad and one tRoad) built at Laval University's accelerated pavement test facility, under varying loads and environmental conditions. Results show different strain distribution in eRoad pavement, suggesting possible bonding issues between coil casing material and asphalt concrete.