Trends in Truck Transportation - Issues Pertaining to Truck/Pavement Interaction

Truck design and the trucking industry have undergone several fundamental changes that affect pavement loading. The population of trucks with air suspensions and radial tires is growing and can be expected to grow in the coming years. The magnitude and number of equivalent single axle loads has increased due to economic growth and regulatory changes that encourage improved efficiency and productivity in the trucking industry. Also discussed are several issues emerging because of the study of truck/pavement interactions: that is, additional truck size-and-weight studies, measurement of overweight vehicles, and regulation of truck suspensions.