SETTING HIGHWAY LOAD LIMITS: A NEW TECHNIQUE

Load restrictions have traditionally been based on Benkelman Beam data collected during the spring thaw period. However, it has been shown that the shape of the deflection basin significantly affects pavement life. Use of the Falling Weight Deflectometer and the Chevron N-Layer computer program model has shown that the maximum damage potential may occur long before the peak deflection occurs. A method has been developed to adjust the measured center FWD deflection so that the adjusted deflection can be used to design overlays and establish load restrictions in a conventional manner. The method uses the vertical strain in the base course as a damage indicator. The center deflection is then adjusted using the shape of the deflection basin to determine the deflection that would cause the same vertical strain inn a completely thawed embankment. This adjusted deflection seems to be a better indicator of the damage potential to highway surfaces in areas where thaw-weakening occurs. (Author)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00293083
• Corporate Authors:

  Geophysical Institute

  Alaska University
  Fairbanks, AK  United States  99701
• Authors:
  • Stubstad, R N
  • Connor, B
• Publication Date: 1983

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 29-33
• Serial:
  • Northern Engineer
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Geophysical Institute
  • ISSN: 0029-3083

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accuracy; Axle load force; Deflection; Falling weight deflectometers; Freeze thaw durability; Pavements; Ultimate load design
• Old TRIS Terms: Freezing thawing effects; Limits; Pavement deflection
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00377333
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 30 1983 12:00AM