Investigating the Effects of Superloads on Fatigue Performance in Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements

Abstract

Superloads are commonly defined as vehicles that carry loads over 890 kilonewtons (200,000 pounds). There has been little research on quantifying the stresses caused by superloads of various axle loads, spacings, and configurations on jointed plain concrete pavements. The purpose of this paper is to characterize the maximum tensile stresses caused by Pennsylvania superloads on jointed plain concrete pavements. Common superload axle loads, spacings, and configurations were determined using information supplied by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The maximum tensile stresses caused by these superloads were then found for jointed plain concrete pavements of several thicknesses and shoulder types under critical loading conditions. The magnitudes and locations of superload-induced tensile stresses were evaluated and related to fatigue performance. This analysis provides insight regarding a potential need for transportation departments to adjust their superload permitting procedures to account for superload fatigue damage.