Development of a Methodology for Posting Load Limits on Load-Zoned Pavements. Interim Report

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Development of a Methodology for Posting Load Limits on Load-Zoned Pavements. Interim Report

S. W. Park / E. G. Fernando

Load-zoned pavements in Texas are presently posted using gross vehicle weight (GVW) limits to prevent or minimize the development of permanent deformation due to excessive truck loads. In reality, pavement damage is more related to axle loads and axle configuration rather than GVW. Thus, load restrictions need to be related to axle loads, axle type, pavement structure, and material characteristics. To address this need, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) initiated a study with the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) to develop a procedure for posting or removing load limits based on predicted pavement performance. For this purpose, non-linear elastic and non-linear elasto-plastic programs were developed to predict the structural adequacy of pavements using the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. The stress-dependent behavior of pavement materials is considered based on the Universal Soil Model. This research report presents the results of the work conducted during the first year of the study.