摘要: |
Superheavy loads are defined as loads that have gross vehicle weights in excess of 112 kN. In the past, loads in excess of 8900 kN have been moved. Before a permit can be issued for a superheavy load move, TxDOT needs to determine whether the proposed route is structurally adequate to sustain the superheavy load. The analysis of damage potential under superheavy loads concerns the likelihood of a rapid, load-induced shear failure as opposed to the long-term accumulation of permanent deformation and fatigue due to repeated load applications. A methodology for evaluating superheavy load routes was developed in Project 0-1335, 'Movement of Superheavy Loads Over the State Highway System.' This methodology is now implemented in TxDOT for permitting superheavy load moves. It is based on an incremental, non-linear layered elastic pavement model for predicting the induced pavement response under surface wheel loads. Predicted stresses under a superheavy load are used with the Mohr-Coluomb yield criterion to evaluate the potential for pavement damage prior to the superheavy load move. |