Determining the Critical Tire and Axle Configuration for Flexible Pavements Based on Mechanistic Analysis

Ozcanan S., AKPINAR M. V.

TEKNIK DERGI, vol.25, no.1, pp.6625-6654, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 25 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Journal Name: TEKNIK DERGI
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.6625-6654
  • Keywords: Tire and axle configurations, stress, strain, mechanistic-empirical design
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

While the tire contact pressure and contact surface area are important concerns in pavement performance, the number of contact points per vehicle and their spacing are also critical. In this study axle loads from field measurements, heavy vehicle tire, and axle configurations were modeled by utilizing a 3D dynamic finite element. The most critical axle and tire types have been determined based on the vertical and horizontal stress and strain values. Single axle and single super tire were found to be the most critical tire and axle configuration in terms of rutting and fatigue damages.