Structural and environmental impact of new-generation wide-base tires in New Brunswick, Canada

Abstract

The loading and environmental impacts of new-generation wide-base tires (NG-WBT) and dual tire assemblies (DTA) on typical asphalt concrete (AC) pavement sections of New Brunswick, Canada were evaluated using finite element method (FEM) analysis and life-cycle assessment. The impact of steering wheel was not considered in this study. The analysis considered realistic material models and loading conditions (i.e. AC viscoelastic characteristics and measured three-dimensional nonuniform tire–pavement contact loads). Predicted critical pavement responses were used in transfer functions to determine potential pavement damage. The NG-WBT loading resulted in greater critical pavement responses compared to that of DTA, especially near the surface (e.g. Vertical shear strains in AC). On the other hand, subgrade response (i.e. maximum vertical strains) to loading was similar for both tire configurations. NG-WBT market penetrations and pavement service life are inversely related. For example, an NG-WBT market penetration of 20% resulted in an 8% greater pavement damage. However, the higher the NG-WBT market penetration is, the greater fuel savings and, therefore, the fewer the emissions and greenhouse gases. Hence, both structural and environmental impacts must be considered.

Keywords:

• finite element method
• life-cycle assessment
• new-generation wide-base tires
• dual-tire assembly
• critical responses
• market penetration

Acknowledgements

The content of this report reflects the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The content does not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Illinois Center for Transportation. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Special thanks for Corey White for his comments and suggestions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure of New Brunswick, Canada. This work used the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE), which is supported by National Science Foundation grant number ACI-1548562 (Towns et al., n.d.).