Effect of Tire Configuration on the Performance of a Low-Volume Road Exposed to Heavy Axle Loads: Mechanical Modeling

A series of response measurements was conducted at an instrumented low-volume road test site to determine the effects of different tire con-figurations of a heavy vehicle on the performance of the road structure. After the measurements were made, a true three-dimensional finite element model was developed with PLAXIS 3D 2012 software. The aim of the modeling was to find explanatory factors between the measured stress–strain relationships and confirmed permanent deformations, rutting in particular, at test site conditions. A model was created with reasonable material parameters. The model produced stress levels and road surface deflections that are comparable with the measured values. The mobilizing levels of shear strains seem to explain the notable permanent deformation at the test site despite the relatively low amount of heavy traffic. The shear strain levels can also be used as an efficient tool in evaluating the effects of other variables, such as road structural layers, construction materials, and environmental conditions, on the risk that structural deterioration of roads may occur when the intensity of loading increases.