Impact of New-generation Wide-base Tires on Pavement Structure and Fuel Consumption

This study combined multiple approaches to evaluate the structural and economic impact of using new-generation wide-base tires (NG-WBT) in New Brunswick, Canada. A three-dimensional finite-element model of a typical pavement structure was used to predict critical pavement responses. The model included measured tire-pavement contact forces among other variables overlooked in conventional flexible pavement analysis approaches. Using the model output, regression analysis was used to predict the responses under various loadings without performing finite-element analysis. Eight-year weight-in-motion data and critical pavement responses were used in transfer functions to predict pavement damage and the corresponding progression of international roughness index (IRI) over an analysis period of 60 years. Most pavement responses from NG-WBT compared to dual-tire assembly (DTA) were between 20% and 30% higher. The smallest difference was the vertical strain on top of subgrade. The life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) considered reduction of fuel consumption because of the use of NG-WBTs. Two scenarios were analyzed: (1) Case A, where maintenance was performed periodically and independent of IRI values, and (2) Case B, where IRI threshold triggered maintenance. A reduction in fuel costs was significant in both cases. Maintaining a low pavement IRI would increase savings in vehicle and truck fuel costs. The results show that the agency cost to maintain pavement used by NG-WBT is expected to be between Can$7,703 to $8,840 (2019 dollars) for 10% and 20% of all tandem axles using NG-WBT per 1 kilometer for a 60-year analysis period. The annual worth of such savings would be Can$298 and $342 (2019 dollars), respectively. On the other hand, the fuel savings per truck-km is expected to be between Can$30,471 to $60,119 (2019 dollars) for 10% and 20% of all tandem axles using NG-WBT per 1 kilometer for the same analysis period. The annual worth of such savings would be Can$1,100 and $2,172 (2019 dollars) per 1 kilometer, respectively. Additionally, the trucks would save 0.42 and 0.107 CAD annually per ton transported per 1 kilometer for 10% and 20% MG-WBT market penetrations, respectively.  The full document is online at https://apps.ict.illinois.edu/projects/getfile.asp?id=9136