Methodological Framework for Truck-Factor Estimation Considering Vehicle-Pavement Interaction

Truck traffic is usually characterized by using truck factors (TFs). A TF converts a mixed truck traffic stream over the pavement design lifetime into a number of equivalent single-axle loads (ESALs). This conversion requires equivalent single-axle load factors (EALFs), which can either be empirical or theoretical. The mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) considers axle load spectra and uses it to run the response model, considering implicitly theoretical EALFs. This paper presents a methodology for TF estimation based on theoretical EALFs calculated by using simulated axle loads, thus overcoming the unavailability of data to define axle load spectra. Once the EALFs are calculated for several simulations, TFs are established and regression models are defined to predict TFs. To reach this point, the study considered the two most common Portuguese truck configurations and pavement structures. The methodology development and application revealed its flexibility and upgradability. The results indicated that vehicle–pavement interaction increases TFs by up to 27% when the initial international roughness index (IRI) increases 1  m/km, underling the importance of the dynamic behavior of the loads.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)TE.1943-5436.0000726
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/8674831
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Authors:
  • Marques Almeida, Arminda Maria
  • Santos, Luís Guilherme de Picado
• Publication Date: 2015-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: 04014074
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transportation Engineering
  • Volume: 141
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-947X
  • Serial URL: https://ascelibrary.org/journal/jtepbs

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Dynamic loads; Equivalent single axle loads; Pavement design; Regression analysis; Simulation; Truck traffic
• Identifier Terms: International Roughness Index; Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; Vehicles and Equipment; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01536352
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Aug 28 2014 9:12AM