PAVEMENT MATERIALS, ANALYSIS AND DESIGN WORKED EXAMPLES

7. Draw the most realistic contact area for an 100KN single axle load with a tire pressure of

552KPa. What are the other configurations of contact area that have been used for pavement

design?

Solution:

The most realistic contact area consists of a rectangle and two semicircles

The 100KN single axle load is applied over four tires, each having a load of 25KN. The contact

area of each tire is:

25𝐾𝑁
𝐴= = 0.04528985 𝑚2 = 0.04528985 ∗ 10,000 𝑐𝑚2 = 452.8985 𝑐𝑚2
553𝐾𝑃𝑎

The area in terms of L is given by

A = 0.5227 * L2 , Hence, 0.5227 * L2 = 452.90cm2 thus, L= 29.40cm

NB: For the design of rigid pavements, based of finite element analysis, a rectangular area is

assumed with a length of 0.0.8712L and with a width 0.6L, which has the same area of

0.5227L2. These contact areas are not axisymmetric and cannot be used with the layered theory.

When the layered theory is used for flexible pavement design, it is assumed that each tire has

a circular contact area. This assumption is not correct but the error incurred is believed to be

small. To simplify the analysis of flexible pavements, a single circle with same contact area as

the duals is frequently used to represent a set of dual tires, instead of using two circular areas.

This practice usually results in a more conservative design, but may become unconservative

for thin asphalt surface because the horizontal tensile strain at the bottom of asphalt layer under

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 PAVEMENT MATERIALS, ANALYSIS AND DESIGN WORKED EXAMPLES

the larger contact radius of single wheel is smaller than that under the smaller contact radius

of dual wheels

8. For the same arrangement as the previous example, example 1 except that only the left leading
area exists and the poison’s ratio is 0.4. Determine the stresses, strains & deflection at A.
Solution:
Hint: Solution at axis of symmetry assuming as Flexible Plate
The vertical stress at z distance from pavement surface is given by
z3 2543
δz = q (1 − 2 ) = 350KPa (1 − ) = 99.56 KPa
(a + z 2 )1.5 (1572 + 2542 )1.5
The Radial and Tangential stress at z distance from pavement surface is given by
q 2(1 + v)z z3
δr = δt = (1 + 2v − 2 + )
2 (a + z 2 )0.5 (a2 + z 2 )1.5

350KPa 2(1+0.4)254 2543

= (1 + 2 ∗ 0.4 − + (1572 +2542)1.5 ) = 1.95 KPa
2 (1572 +2542 )0.5

The vertical strain at point A can be given by

(1+v)q vz z3
εz = (1 − 2v + (a2 +z2 )0.5
− (a2 +z2 )1.5 )
E

(1+0.3)350Kpa 0.4∗254 2543

εz = 70∗ 103 KPa
(1 − 2 ∗ 0.4 + (1572 +254 2 )0.5
− (1572 +2542 )1.5 )= 0.00143 =1.43 * 10-3

The Radial and Tangential strain at point A can be given by

(1+v)q vz z3
εz = (1 − 2v − (a2 +z2 )0.5
− (a2 +z2 )1.5 )
E

(1+0.3)350Kpa 0.4∗254 2543

εz = 70∗ 103 KPa
(1 − 2 ∗ 0.4 − (1572 +254 2 )0.5
− (1572 +2542 )1.5 )= 0.0004441 = 4.441 * 10-4

The vertical deflection can be determined by the equation,

(1 + v)qa a 1 − 2𝑣
𝜔= ( 2 + ((a2 + z 2 )0.5 − 0.5))
E (a + z 2 )0.5 𝑎
(1 + 0.4)350kpa ∗ 254 254 1 − 2 ∗ 0.4
𝜔= 3
( 2 2 0.5
+ ((1572 + 2542 )0.5 − 0.5))
70 ∗ 10 KPa (157 + 254 ) 254
= 0.447𝑚𝑚

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9. A highway pavement structure consists of 15 cm full depth asphalt concrete (E=3.75Gpa)

and sub grade (E=150Gpa) is subjected to a load of 80KN on a set of duals spaced at 36 cm
on centers. The approximate area of contact is circular with radius of 15cm. Determine the
critical tensile strain at the bottom of asphalt concrete layer and the maximum compressive
stress at the top of the sub grade. Use the Boyd and Foster method (fixed traffic procedures)
to convert the dual tires into ESWL.

Given:
Z= 15cm
Sd= 36 cm
d = 6 cm
a= 15 cm

Solution:
2𝑧 15
) 0.3 log ( 0.3 log (2 ∗ 6 )
log(𝐸𝑆𝑊𝐿) = log 𝑃𝑑 + 𝑑 = log 40 + = 1.754
4𝑆 36
log ( 𝑑 ) log (4 ∗ 6 )
𝑑
Hence, ESWL = 101.754 = 56.752 KN
𝐸𝑆𝑊𝐿 56.752 𝐾𝑁
Now, 𝑞 = = = 0.080328 KN/cm2 = 0.080328 *104 KN/m2 = 803.28 KPa
𝐴 𝜋∗(30𝑐𝑚2 )/4
Then, the critical tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt can be determined by chart
ℎ1 15 𝐸 3.45∗103
for: = = 1 and 𝐸1 = = 25 Thus, from chart Fe = 1.25
𝑎 15 2 150
𝑞 803.28 𝐾𝑃𝑎
Hence, 𝑒 = 𝐸 𝐹𝑒 = ∗ 1.25 = 0.286 10−3
1 3.45∗103
Then, the maximum compressive stress at the top of subgrade can be determined as
ℎ1 15 𝐸 3.45∗103 𝛿𝑐
follows: for = = 1 and 𝐸1 = = 25 from chart = 0.18
𝑎 15 2 150 𝑞
Hence, 𝛿𝑐 = 0.18 ∗ 803.28 𝑘𝑃𝑎 = 144.52 KPa

10. A three-layer pavement structure is subjected to a 44.5KN load on a set of duals spaced at 35.6

mm on centers and with 122 mm radius of contact area.

Given:
Sd= 356 mm
d = 112 mm
a= 122 mm
The depth of Subgrade is
Z= 152*2= 304 mm

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Using an ESWL based on Boyd and Foster method ONLY, answer the following questions:

a. If the thicknesses provided are just sufficient for overstressing the subgrade,

determine its allowable bearing capacity.

b. What should be the depth of a full-depth asphalt pavement on such a sub-grade?

Does the depth obtained satisfy the requirement of maximum limiting surface

deflection of 5 mm?

Solution:
a. determine its allowable bearing capacity.

𝑑 112
log( ) = log ( ) = 1.748
2 2
log(2𝑆𝑑 ) = log(2 ∗ 356) = 2.85
log(𝑃𝑑 ) = log(22.25) = 1.34
log(2𝑃𝑑 ) = log(2 ∗ 22.25) = 1.65
log(𝑍) = log(304) = 2.48
Now, by interpolation
log(𝐸𝑆𝑊𝐿)−1.34 2.48−1.748 2.48−1.748
= log(𝐸𝑆𝑊𝐿) = ∗ (1.65 − 1.34) + 1.34
1.65−1.34 2.85−2.48 2.85−2.48

log(𝐸𝑆𝑊𝐿) = 1.5459 ==> 𝐸𝑆𝑊𝐿 = 35.149 𝐾𝑁

𝐸𝑆𝑊𝐿 35.149 𝐾𝑁
 𝑞= = = 751.72 Kpa
𝜋𝑟 2 3.14∗1222

Now, to determine the allowable bearing capacity of the subgrade we have determine the vertical

stress at the top of the subgrade. Thus, we can use the table for:
Then, from table we can read the value of:
𝐸1 3.44 𝐺𝑝𝑎
𝐾1 = = = 20
𝐸2 172 𝑀𝑝𝑎 ZZ1 = 0.12173
ZZ2 = 0.05938
𝐸2 172 𝑀𝑝𝑎 𝐺𝑝𝑎
𝐾12 = = = 25 ZZ1-RR1 = 1.97428
𝐸23 68.8 𝑀𝑝𝑎

𝑎 122 ZZ2-RR2 = 0.09268

𝐴= = = 0.8
ℎ2 152
Now, 𝛿𝑧2 = 𝑍𝑍2 ∗ 𝑞 = 0.05938 ∗ 751.72 Kpa = 44.64KPa
ℎ1 152
𝐴= = =1 Therefore, The maximum allowable bearing Capacity of subgrade
ℎ2 152
should be equal with the vertical stress.

thus

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b. What should be the depth of a full-depth asphalt pavement on such a sub-grade? Does the

depth obtained satisfy the requirement of maximum limiting surface deflection of 5 mm?

𝛿𝑐 = 44.64KPa
Then, from chart we can determine the
𝐸1 3.44 𝐺𝑝𝑎
= = 50 values of a/h1, which is approximately
𝐸2 68.8 𝑀𝑝𝑎
h1=? 0.7
𝛿𝑐 3.44 𝐺𝑝𝑎
= = 0.05850 Thus, the depth the full depth asphalt
𝑞 751.72 Kpa
𝑎 required is:
=? 122
ℎ1 ℎ1 = = 174.33 𝑚𝑚
0.7

 To check wether this depth fulfill the deflection requirement of not. We have to
determine the maximum surface deflection.

𝐸1 3.44 𝐺𝑝𝑎 𝝎𝟎𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟓𝒎𝒎

= = 50
𝐸2 68.8 𝑀𝑝𝑎 F2 = 0.22 𝝎𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟒𝒎𝒎
ℎ1 174.33 Since, 𝝎𝟎 < 𝝎𝟎𝒎𝒂𝒙
= = 1.43
𝑎 122
1.5𝑞𝑎 1.5∗751.72∗122
𝜔0 = 𝐹2 = ∗ 0.22 = 0.44𝑚𝑚 Thus, the depth obtained satisfies the
𝐸2 68.8∗1000
maximum deflection requirement.

11. Determine the EALF for a 32 Kip tandem axle and a 48 Kip tridem axle loads using AASHTO.
Assume Pt = 2.5 and SN = 5
Solution:
For 32 Kip Tandem axle load

For 48 kip Tridem axle load

 Tridem axle destroys the pavement more than the tandem axle.

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12. The initial traffic, which grows at a rate of 5 % per annum, consists of 400 passes of single unit truck
and 350 passes of semi trailer truck daily, the axle weights are:
a. Single wheel truck –4000kg steering single axle and 10000kg drive single axle.
b. Semi trailer truck –5000kg steering single axle, 8000 drive tandem axle and 15000-trailer tandem
axle.

If the design period is 20 years, determine the cumulative equivalent standard axle using the 4th power
rule.

Solution:

First let’s determine the load on standard axles which have the same number of axles as Lx.

ELSF =1  to have the same effect as the single axle.

13. A two-way two-lane highway section is to be constructed. A one week axle load survey on this
section was carried out and the average daily commercial traffic in both directions is as given below.
A 10-year design period with a traffic growth rate of 5% per annum is assumed. Compute the
cumulative ESA. (Assume 50/50% directional split)

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14. Specifications of an embankment construction of a road project require that the soil be compacted to
95 % of the standard laboratory dry density. Results of a laboratory standard compaction test are as
shown in the following table. Field density tests are conducted at three locations. Reports on the results
are detailed below. Draw the moisture density curve and check the adequacy of the compaction.

Solution

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15. For the CBR test result shown in the table below, plot unit load versus penetration curve and determine
the CBR value.

Solution

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 PAVEMENT MATERIALS, ANALYSIS AND DESIGN WORKED EXAMPLES

1.25

As we can see from the graph, the curve is not the more normal shaped curve. When this happens the curve
must be corrected by drawing a tangent at the point of greatest slope and then transposing the axis of load
so that zero penetration is taken as the point where the tangent cuts the axis of penetration. The corrected
load penetration curve is the tangent from the new origin to the point of tangency and the curve itself. The
tangent cuts the axis of penetration at 1.25mm.

The CBR value at 5.08 + 1.25mm is greater than the CBR value at 2.54+1.25mm. Repeat the test on a
fresh specimen and if the new percentage value at 5.08mm is still greater, then this is taken as the CBR
value.

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16. It is required to determine the total structural pavement thickness that decrease the stress reached on
the subgrade on a safe level. The subgrade can carry 102Kpa without permanent deformation and the
largest equivalent single wheel load with in all configuration is thought to be a set of dual tires 2pd of
42KN with center to center distance of 460mm &contact radius of 115mm. Determine the minimum
total pavement thickness required to sustain the traffic load without deformation (Use Bossinesque
theory)
17. A certain road is constructed for a design period of 15 years. However after one year of construction
some section of the road have got defect. An engineering team come together and checks whether the
problem is overstressing on subgrade or fatigue (tensile strain) at the bottom of HMA. The design
indicates that the maximum vertical strain of 2 x 10-4 and maximum tensile strain below HMA is -6.75
x 10-4. The core samples taken from the road has three layers as shown in Figure 1. The surface course
has an elastic modulus of 3.5Gpa and the granular base with elastic modulus 1.75 Gpa. To know the
subgrade elastic modulus the team was used plate load bearing test and the data is collected as shown
in Table 1. All layers are assumed to have a Poisson ratio of 0.5. Take that the wheel load of 120 KN
and 950 Kpa contact pressure, the contact area is a circle.
a. Determine the elastic modulus of the subgrade.
b. Using three-layer method, determine the maximum vertical strain and maximum
tensile strain below HMA layer.
c. If the base and subgrade are combined as one layer to form two-layer system, what
should be the equivalent elastic modulus of this combined layer so that the same tensile
strain at the bottom of HMA on question b can be obtained?
d. Is failure of road is due to horizontal tensile strain at the bottom of HMA or the
maximum vertical compressive stress on the top of subgrade.

18. Calculate the surface deflection, interface deflection, stress reached at the subgrade soil and the critical
tensile at the axis of symmetry for the pavement of 304 mm thick top layer. The pressure is 552 kpa
with contact radius of 152 mm. The modulus of elasticity for the top and bottom of pavement layer has
345,000kpa and 69,000 kpa respectively. Use tensile strain factor Fe =0.25.
19. Discuss the method of investigations required for the following conditions, which includes sampling of
the sub-grade and pavement materials:
i. Upgrading of the existing gravel road to bituminous paved standard,40kmlong
ii. Paved road which needs, only strengthening having total length of 50km.
iii. Gravel roads that require only periodic maintenance having length of 50km
20. What is the effect of soaking period on CBR test on soil?

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21. The following results were obtained by a mechanical analysis. Classify the soil
according to the AASHTO classification system and give the group index. Also
give brief description of the soil type for which part it be used.

22. The following results were obtained by a mechanical analysis. Classify the soil
according to the USCS classification system. Also give brief description of the
soil type for which part it be used.

23. The following results are from a compaction test on samples of soil that is to be used for an
embankment on a highway project. Determine the maximum dry unit
weight of compaction and optimum moisture content for sample and also draw
the zero air voids (ZAV) curve and give comments for the material.
Gs=2.7 (Assumed)
w= 1g/cm3

24. If the CBR test conducted for a homogenous road section is indicating bellow,
using this value, determine the design CBR.

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25. Discussed briefly about materials with their recommendation specifications of:
a. Base course materials.
b. Sub Base course materials.
c. Gravel Surface road.
26. Blending two aggregate sources
The following table shows the particle size distributions of two aggregates A
and B which are to be blended to produce an acceptable aggregate for use in
manufacturing asphalt concrete for highway pavement construction. If the
required limits of particle size distribution for the mix are as shown in the
table below, determine a suitable ratio for blending aggregates A and B to
obtain an acceptable combined aggregate.

Chapter Two: Examples on Stress in Pavements Page 18