Full-depth flexible pavement responses to different truck tyre geometry configurations

Abstract

Pavement stresses and strain responses due to tyre loading are essential data for design and performance analysis. The magnitude and distribution of these responses are primarily affected by the tyres configuration geometry. This study investigates the longitudinal strain responses at the bottom of a hot-mix asphalt layer for full-depth medium-volume flexible pavement under different truck tyres design. Pavement testing was carried out with a user-control accelerated pavement facility at various speeds and tyre inflation pressures and loading. Three truck tyre configurations: dual-tyre (11R22.5) and two wide-base tyres (425/65R22.5 and 455/55R22.5) widely used in the truck industry were examined. A 3D finite element model was developed to quantify surface stresses to loading at various critical locations in the pavement after being calibrated with the field-measured strains. Field measurements showed that the 455 wide-base tyres yield 7% more longitudinal strain than a dual-tyre assembly at the same tyre pressure.

Keywords::

• pavement responses
• dual tyre
• wide-base tyre
• accelerated testing

Acknowledgements

This study is based upon work supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation under contract no. IHR-R59. The contents of this paper reflect the view of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Illinois Center for Transportation, the Illinois Department of Transportation or the Federal Highway Administration. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation.

Notes

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