Evaluation of superheavy load movement on flexible pavements

Abstract

Due to industrial plant expansion, superheavy load moves have increased drastically in Louisiana within the past decade. This paper presents a case study of a superheavy load movement with over 1.8-million kg loads on a flexible pavement. The study included pavement structural analysis under superheavy load and the estimation of cost attributable to the movement. The structural evaluation was performed by both three-dimensional (3D) finite element and the layered elastic analysis with the 3D Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion. Three wheel load configurations were analysed. The comparison of the two methods showed comparable results for the single-line load configuration. In addition, a simple and rational cost allocation process was proposed to estimate the cost attributable to a superheavy load move. The proposed process was based on the predicted damage caused by a superheavy load move and on the estimated cost for repairing the deteriorated pavement.

Keywords:

• superheavy load
• flexible pavement
• pavement structural analysis
• cost allocation estimation
• pemit

Acknowledgements

Disclaimer: The information presented in this paper only reflects the views of the authors. No official endorsement should be associated with the information provided.

Notes

^1. [email protected]

^2. [email protected]

^3. [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jeffrey R. Lambert

1

Ching Tsai

2

Zhongjie Zhang

3