Application of the K-Means method to classify climatic regions of asphalt pavements in Brazil

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X87741

Keywords:

Climate, K-Means clustering, Asphalt pavements, Climatic regions, Brazil

Abstract

Climatic conditions significantly impact the behavior and performance of flexible pavements. The Brazilian territory is known for its continental dimensions, which leads to enormous climate variability. As a result, national asphalt pavements are subject to different climatic conditions, according to the regions in which they are located. Thus, the present study aims at identifying climatic regions with homogeneous climatic characteristics that affect the performance of flexible pavements in Brazil, using the K-Means clustering method. The methodology proved to be adequate, dividing the country into 5 climatic regions, namely: region 1 is characterized by high temperatures, radiation, and low precipitation; region 2, by the large thermal amplitude and high temperatures; region 3, by smaller thermal amplitudes, higher wind speeds, and high radiation; region 4, by milder temperatures, high temperature range, and considerable precipitation; and region 5, by high volumes of precipitation and high humidity, in addition to high temperatures.

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Author Biographies

Cléber Faccin, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD student at the Federal University of Santa Maria

Luciano Pivoto Specht, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Civil Engineering from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and associate professor at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM).

Pedro Orlando Borges Junior, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Civil Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM).

Silvio Lisboa Schuster, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Civil Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) and Adjunct Professor.

Pablo Menezes Vestena, North Carolina State University

Holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Civil Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Currently a doctoral student at North Carolina State University.

Lucas Dotto Bueno, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Civil Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) and Adjunct Professor.

Deividi da Silva Pereira, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Transportation Engineering from the Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Currently a full professor at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM).

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2026-04-16

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Vol. 48 (2026): Publicação contínua

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