Design Curves for Very Heavy Multiple Wheel Assemblies

In the preceding Symposium papers, data have been presented leading to the development of design criteria for single wheel loads. When the B-29 plane was introduced with dual wheel assemblies, it was necessary to evaluate the effect of the dual wheel in comparison with the single wheel if maximum use of the plane was to be obtained. At the request of the U.S. Army Air Forces, the Corps of Engineers initiated a study to develop design curves for flexible pavement thickness and for other requirements of the B-29 plane. These curves show difinitely that a considerable saving in base thickness can be effected by the use of dual wheels. Further study of the problem has evolved procedures whereby the method used in developing the B-29 curves can be extended and applied to any wheel load assembly.