Axle Weight Limits for Single and Tandem Axles
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part B: Pavements
Volume 149, Issue 3
Abstract
Axle load limits for single axles, 89 kN (), and tandem axles, 151 kN (), are set to control potential pavement damage. These axles, at their corresponding weight limits, are considered equivalent. Because pavement layers are more complicated than a linear elastic material, using linear elastic theory would result in erroneous loading response prediction and, hence, potential pavement damage. Thus, actual tandem- and single-axle loading, along with flexible pavement structure, were modeled using an advanced finite-element model. The influences of a 1.2-m-spaced tandem axle and a single axle on flexible pavement responses were assessed qualitatively. Transfer functions from AASHTOWare were used to compute pavement distresses. Tandem and single axles were found to be inequivalent, confirming that the distresses due to the tandem axle were greater than those of the single. Load equivalency was calculated for different parameters, such as tire type, pavement material, and structure. The load equivalency was found to be dependent on various parameters. Wide-base tires (tire type) had the highest influence on the weight limits [135 kN ()]. Because 72% of national goods are moved on highways, accurate weight limits should be applied using an established equivalency factor.
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Data Availability Statement
All data and models that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This study used the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment, which is supported by National Science Foundation Grant No. ACI-1548562. The authors are representatives of the Illinois Center for Transportation (ICT). The contents of this paper reflect the views 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 view or policies of the ICT. This paper does not constitute a standard, specifications, or regulations.
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© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 29, 2022
Accepted: Apr 6, 2023
Published online: Jun 7, 2023
Published in print: Sep 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Nov 7, 2023
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