Highway pavement perception devices made from conventional piezoelectric materials are unsuitable for use in a complex road traffic environment because they lack durability. In this study, the design and durability performance of piezoelectric materials based on pavement perception were assessed. First, lead zirconate titanate (PZT)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites with various volume ratios were prepared with PZT and PVDF as raw materials. Then, their piezoelectric and dielectric properties were tested, and the change mechanism of electrical properties of the materials was analysed by examining their crystal structures. Their compressive and flexural strengths were tested, and the change mechanism of mechanical properties was analysed with the use of a scanning electron microscope. The optimal volume ratio of the PZT/PVDF composite was determined by combining test results with the stress characteristics of a pavement structure. Finally, PZT/PVDF composites with the best volume ratio were used to prepare piezoelectric perception devices. The devices were placed in an asphalt mixture, and the output of their perception signals was tested by simulating vehicle loads. The results show that with an increase in PZT content, the dielectric property of the composite piezoelectric material first increased and then decreased, the piezoelectric property gradually increased, and the compressive and flexural strengths both gradually decreased. The comprehensive properties of PZT/PVDF composites with a PZT volume ratio of 50% were superior; after 150,000 repeated loads, the perception signal output was stable, and the sensor had good durability.
