Effect of Michigan multi-axle trucks on pavement distress and profile: volume III: rigid pavements

The study looked at both flexible and rigid pavement systems, and comprised of three main components: 1. in-service pavement performance data; 2. laboratory testing under multiple axles, and 3. mechanistic-empirical analyses. The results from in-service pavement performance data indicated that multiple axle groups appear to cause less damage in fatigue per load carried for both pavement types, whereas they cause more damage in rutting of flexible pavements and roughness for rigid pavements. Laboratory testing of asphalt concrete confirmed that multiple axles cause less fatigue damage per load carried, and that rutting is nearly proportional to the number of axles within an axle group. Results from flexural concrete beam fatigue testing showed significant variability; multiple linear regression analysis indicated, on average, similar findings to asphalt concrete fatigue for a given stress ratio; however, mechanistic analysis showed that multiple axles cause considerable stress reduction leading to significantly lower fatigue damage. The mechanistic analysis also showed that multiple axles cause more faulting in rigid pavements. Mechanistic analyses of flexible pavements confirmed that multiple axles cause less fatigue damage per load carried, and rutting damage that is nearly proportional to the number of axles within an axle group. However, the mechanistic-empirical results suggest that the AASHTO load equivalency factors (LEF) for large axle groups may be unconservative. Finally, full scale slab testing to study joint/crack deterioration in plain concrete pavements was inconclusive.

• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/18200
• Corporate Authors:

  Michigan Department of Transportation

  Lansing, MI  United States  48909
• Authors:
  • Chatti, K
  • Manik, A
  • Salama, H
  • Brake, N
  • Haider, S W
  • El Mohtar, C
  • Lee, H S
• Publication Date: 2009-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 121 + appendices

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axle loads; Concrete pavements; Cracking; Heavy vehicles; Pavement performance; Pavements; Tests for suitability, service and quality; Trucks by number of axles
• Uncontrolled Terms: Pavement technology
• ATRI Terms: Axle group; Axle load; Concrete pavement; Cracking; Heavy vehicle; Pavement performance; Pavement testing
• Subject Areas: Motor Carriers; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01384146
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Report/Paper Numbers: RC-1504
• Files: ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 22 2012 4:14PM