THE INFLUENCE OF AXLE SPACING ON FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT DAMAGE

The effects of altering the spacing between tandem and triple axles on commercial vehicles have been investigated using an elastic multi-layer pavement model. A mathematical analysis was made of the influence of axle spacing on critical conditions in the bituminous layers and subgrades of a number of flexible pavements. A range of wheel loads typical of British commercial vehicle practice was employed. Damage to the pavement structure increases as the spacing between individual axles of multiple units is reduced, with the effects becoming more marked at spacings less than 1.25 metres. An axle with four equally-spaced wheels has been shown to be more damaging, particularly to the subgrade, than an axle with one pair of dual wheels at each end. Axles with single wheels at each end are more damaging than those applying the same load via dual wheels. The effect is more severe on the bituminous material than on the subgrade. An analysis of limited scope indicates that a load carried on triple axles is less damaging than on tandem axles. The difference is less pronounced at closer axle spacings and on the subgrade. (Author/TRRL)

  • Corporate Authors:

    Newcastle upon Tyne University, England

    Transport Operations Research Group, Claremont Road
    Newcastle NE1 7RU, Tyne and Wear,   England 
  • Authors:
    • Peattie, K R
  • Publication Date: 1984-7

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 23 p.
  • Serial:
    • Issue Number: 54

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00395074
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Monograph
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Aug 31 1985 12:00AM