The Impact of Wide-Base Tires on Pavement Damage: A National Study: TPF-5(197)
Project Information
Project ID:
FHWA-PROJ-11-0032
Project Abstract:
Various research studies in the past have investigated the potential pavement damage of wide-base tires as compared to regular dual-tire assemblies, with many drawing the conclusion that wide-base tires are more damaging to pavements. Earlier research studies documented in the literature were conducted on early generations of wide-base tires, which may or may not have been intended for highway use. Recent advances in tire technology have led to the design of wide-base tires that have wider tread than previous designs, resulting in a load distribution more comparable to that of dual tires. Therefore, an evaluation of these new tire designs is needed to determine their contribution to pavement damage and other factors, such as safety and economic impacts, with respect to dual configurations. There is also the issue of the discrepancy between the reported width of the tire and the actual tread width.
From an enforcement perspective, it is much easier to read the width of the tire than to measure it. From the pavement's perspective, all that contributes to the damage of the pavement is the width of the tire that it contacts. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership promotes the use of wide-base tires as a way to improve fuel economy by reducing weight, aerodynamic drag, and rolling resistance. Other potential benefits the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership cite are reduced driveby noise and improved stability. Trucking operation factors that directly affect pavement damage can be classified into three major components: vehicle-generated load, axle and tire configuration transferring the load, and pavement carrying the load. To fully characterize the damage induced by different tire and axle configurations, the effects of vehicle, tire, and pavement and their interaction must be considered. Vehicle and tire factors include axle loads, axle spacing, speed, tire inflation pressure, and tire configurations. Pavement parameters include surface roughness, materials properties, layer thicknesses, and subgrade strength.
Goals
The key project objectives are:
- Quantify the impact of vehicle-tire interaction on pavement damage using advanced theoretical modeling validated via full-scale pavement testing. This includes the determination of the relative effects of wide-base tires and dual-tire assemblies on pavement performance. This should also include the determination of the relationship between the reported tire width and aspect ratio, load, inflation pressure, and actual tread width.
- Develop a tool and methodology that allows the States to assess the impact of wide-base tires on the pavement network.
- Perform an analysis of the economic, safety, and environmental effects of using wide-base tires relative to the impact on pavement performance.
Research HUB ID:
7715
Project Status:
Completed
Project Funding Amount (Contract Award Amount):
$783,000.00
Start Date:
End Date:
Public Access Plan:
No
FHWA Program Area:
- Infrastructure
Fiscal Year / AMRP Program / AMRP Activity:
- FY 2002-2022 / Infrastructure / Pavements and Materials
AMRP = Annual Modal Research Plan
Contact Information
First Name:
Katherine
Last Name:
Petros
Phone Number:
(202) 493-3154
Email Address:
Team:
Infrastructure Analysis and Construction Team
Office:
Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Office Code:
HRDI-20
Management Organizations
Sponsor Organization
Organization Role:
Sponsor Organization
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Research, Development, and Technology - Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Contact Role:
Project Lead
Contact:
Managing Organization
Organization Role:
Project Managing Organization
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Research, Development, and Technology - Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Contact Role:
Project Contact
Contact:
Performing Organization
Organization Role:
Performing Organization
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Research, Development, and Technology - Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Contact Role:
Project Contact
Contact:
Partners and Other Sponsor/Managing/Performing Organizations
Organization Role:
Partner: Technical
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Infrastructure - Office of Asset Management, Pavement, and Construction
Organization Role:
Partner: Advisory
Organization:
Illinois Department of Transportation
Organization Role:
Partner: Advisory
Organization:
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Organization Role:
Partner: Advisory
Organization:
Montana Department of Transportation
Organization Role:
Partner: Advisory
Organization:
New York State Department of Transportation
Organization Role:
Partner: Advisory
Organization:
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Organization Role:
Partner: Advisory
Organization:
Virginia Department of Transportation
Organization Role:
Other
Organization:
Texas Department of Transportation
Organization Role:
Partner: Advisory
Organization:
Rubber Manufacturers Association