This study evaluates the development of bearing capacity between three separate bearing capacity measurements conducted in December, January and June on a newly built road structure, road M2080, temporary E22, on the section Fjälkinge-Gualöv, east of Kristianstad, Sweden. The bearing capacity of a road is crucial för the structure’s lifespan and maintenance needs. The bearing capacity of a road is constantly influenced by climate factors like temperature and moisture, as well as loads from passing traffic.

The study’s results demonstrate a clear improvement in bearing capacity over the measurement period. Between the first measurement in December and the last in June, the bearing load capacity increased by an average of 13 % across the entire road section. The study’s results also show that temperature-induced stiffness changes in the roads bound layers can be ruled out as a factor, as the temperature differences between measurements were negligible. 

The study concludes that newly constructed roads undergo a marked natural strengthening during their first months in service. However, the subgrade material governs geographic variations in bearing capacity along the road section. Where subgrade capacity is moderately low, a stiffer pavement structure can in some cases compensate.