Synopsis of Tire-Pavement Interaction Research

A critical assessment has been conducted of research and experience information on tire types and tire pressures and their interactions as they influence the performance of asphalt concrete pavements, particularly with regard to premature rutting. The extensive amount of research (completed and in progress) and experience worldwide in the pavement-vehicle area indicates a strong trend toward consideration of the interaction between pavement characteristics such as roughness and ride quality and vehicle components such as suspension systems, axle configurations, and tires during the design of both pavements and vehicles. Two specific problem areas identified as in need of further research and other considerations are (a) the determination of realistic tire-pavement contact pressures for asphalt pavements and (b) tire-type selection such as the use of wide-base single tires as a replacement for conventional dual tire assemblies.