Effect of flotation tires used for agricultural field equipment on flexible pavement damage

Abstract

Agricultural field equipment are typically equipped with wide single tires with particular tire tread and low inflation working pressures. Because of the significant differences with standard truck tires, the effect of flotation implement tire on pavement performance and load associated damage is likely to differ. This paper presents the results of an experimental research project where flotation tires were used to test the response of an instrumented flexible pavement built in an indoor test pit. The effect of load, tire pressure, and tire type was investigated as part of the study. Based on the collected results, the tire type and design greatly influence the pavement response. The critical and governing pavement damage mechanism was found to be subgrade structural rutting. Wide specialty tires were found to generally induce less damage than standard truck tires. A method for axle weight adjustment for wide farm tires was proposed as part of the project.