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Cover of The Influence of Multiple Axle Loads on Pavement Performance: Interim Findings
The Influence of Multiple Axle Loads on Pavement Performance: Interim Findings
  • Publication no: AP-T184-11
  • ISBN: 978-1-921709-84-5
  • Published: 2 August 2011

This research study investigates – using a combination of current research, laboratory characterisation and field trials – improved methods for assessing the pavement damage caused by different multiple axle group loads, and to develop a framework that can be used to quantify this pavement damage for use in the Austroads flexible pavement design processes.

  • 1. INTRODUCTION
    • 1.1. The Australasian Flexible Pavement Network
    • 1.2. Axle Loads and Group Types
    • 1.3. Research Question and Outcomes
    • 1.4. Report Structure
  • 2. AUSTRALIAN PRACTICE
    • 2.1. Overview of Flexible Pavement Design Methods
    • 2.2. Origins of Standard Axle Group Loads
    • 2.3. Assumed Interaction between Axles
    • 2.4. Limitations of Current Practice
  • 3. REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES
    • 3.1. Introduction
    • 3.2. Pavement Performance Methods
      • 3.2.1. AASHTO Guides
      • 3.2.2. 1993 AASHTO Guide
      • 3.2.3. Laboratory Studies
    • 3.3. Response to Load Methods
      • 3.3.1. General
      • 3.3.2. Discrete Methods
      • 3.3.3. Integration Methods
    • 3.4. Summary
  • 4. TESTING PLAN
    • 4.1. General
    • 4.2. Cemented Materials
    • 4.3. Asphalt
    • 4.4. Unbound Granular Materials
  • 5. CEMENTED MATERIAL LABORATORY STUDY
    • 5.1. General
    • 5.2. Method
      • 5.2.1. Overview
      • 5.2.2. Laboratory Flexural Test Methods
      • 5.2.3. Pavement Construction
      • 5.2.4. Sample Extraction, Preparation and Handling
      • 5.2.5. Laboratory Test Equipment
      • 5.2.6. Pulse Shape Generation
      • 5.2.7. Control Software
    • 5.3. Alterations to Test Procedures and Equipment
      • 5.3.1. General
      • 5.3.2. LVDT Frame Alterations
      • 5.3.3. Test Geometry
      • 5.3.4. Sample Size
      • 5.3.5. Definition of Initial Modulus and Strain for Fatigue Testing
    • 5.4. Data
      • 5.4.1. Test Sequence
      • 5.4.2. Flexural Modulus Data
      • 5.4.3. Flexural Fatigue Data
    • 5.5. Analysis
      • 5.5.1. Flexural Modulus
      • 5.5.2. Flexural Fatigue
    • 5.6. Conclusions and Future Work
      • 5.6.1. General
      • 5.6.2. Flexural Modulus
      • 5.6.3. Flexural Fatigue Performance
      • 5.6.4. Further Work Needed
  • 6. ASPHALT LABORATORY STUDY
    • 6.1. General
    • 6.2. Recent Studies
      • 6.2.1. General
      • 6.2.2. Pavement Response to Multiple Axle Loads: BASt Study
      • 6.2.3. Laboratory Fatigue Assessment Under Simulated Multiple Axle Loads: Michigan State University Study
    • 6.3. Approach
    • 6.4. Equipment
      • 6.4.1. Sample Preparation
      • 6.4.2. Fatigue Testing Equipment and Control
      • 6.4.3. Post-processing and Dissipated Energy
    • 6.5. Parameters
    • 6.6. Pulse Generation
    • 6.7. Study Components
      • 6.7.1. General
      • 6.7.2. Study 0 – Breaking Strain and Test Frequency (Preliminary Study)
      • 6.7.3. Study 1 – Effect of Strain Direction
      • 6.7.4. Study 2 – Effect of Level of Axle Interaction
      • 6.7.5. Study 3 – Effect of Load Level
      • 6.7.6. Study 4 – Effect of the Number of Axles in Axle Groups
    • 6.8. Future Work
  • 7. GRANULAR BASE PERFORMANCE UNDER ACCELERATED LOADING STUDY
    • 7.1. General
    • 7.2. Description of ALF
    • 7.3. Multiple Axle Modifications
      • 7.3.1. Changes to ALF Design
      • 7.3.2. New ALF Configuration
    • 7.4. Description of Site
    • 7.5. Pavement Composition
      • 7.5.1. Test Pavement Structure
      • 7.5.2. Subgrade Material Selection
      • 7.5.3. Base Material Selection
      • 7.5.4. Layout of Test Pavement
    • 7.6. Pavement Construction
      • 7.6.1. General
      • 7.6.2. Temporary Removal of Wall Panels
      • 7.6.3. Reclamation of Clay Subgrade Material from Borrow Pit
      • 7.6.4. Placement of Base Layer
      • 7.6.5. Sprayed Seal
    • 7.7. Data Acquisition
      • 7.7.1. General
      • 7.7.2. Dynamic Loading
      • 7.7.3. Pavement Deformation
    • 7.8. Accelerated Load Test Program
      • 7.8.1. General
      • 7.8.2. Transverse Distribution
      • 7.8.3. Bedding-in Process
      • 7.8.4. Experiment Progression
    • 7.9. Summary of Experiments
      • 7.9.1. Experiment 3502 – Triaxle with 90 kN Total Load
      • 7.9.2. Experiment 3508 – Tandem Axle with 60 kN Total Load
      • 7.9.3. Experiment 3505 – Tandem Axle with 80 kN Total Load
      • 7.9.4. Experiment 3511 – Single Axle with 40 kN Total Load
    • 7.10. Consolidated Results
    • 7.11. Recommendations for Future Work
  • 8. SUMMARY
    • 8.1. General
    • 8.2. International Studies
    • 8.3. Project Scope
    • 8.4. Flexural Fatigue of Cemented Materials
    • 8.5. Flexural Fatigue of Asphalt
    • 8.6. Deformation of Unbound Granular Pavements
  • REFERENCES
  • APPENDIX A FATIGUE TESTING MODE AND DISSIPATED ENERGY
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