Dynamic wheel pavement force sensitivity to variations in heavy vehicle parameters, speed and road roughness

Abstract

Research has been undertaken to study numerically and experimentally the effects of large vehicle parameters on dynamic wheel pavement loads. Here, a two–axle truck having constant speed and travelling along a straight road was used and only the tyre normal loads on pavements are considered. To identify the required accuracy of vehicle parameter measurements, a simulation model sensitivity analysis was conducted. Forty–two vehicle parameters were considered along with three values of road roughness and four vehicle speeds. The Phase 4 simulation program, as developed by the University of Michigan, was used and prediction of normal pavement loads was shown to be predominantly sensitive to accuracies in measurement of wheelbase, base vehicle curb weight, payload weight, suspension stiffness, unsprung weight, tyre stiffness and coulomb friction. Additional observations were made regarding the effects of vehicle parameter measurements, road roughness and vehicle speed on mean tyre/pavement loads, maximum tyre/pavement loads and on the Dynamic Load Coefficient.