An overview of trends and ongoing changes in trucking that affect pavement design and performance is provided. Trucking is defined as an activity that encompasses both the properties of the truck fleet (truck size and weight and truck technology) and the operations of the motor carrier industry (truck volumes and loads). Trends in truck volumes, weights, and dimensions and changes in trucking that arise from economic and political changes, regulatory changes in vehicle weights and dimensions, and engineering changes in truck technology are described. Economic and political changes include restructuring in manufacturing industries, globalization and free trade, deregulation of the motor carrier industry, and effects of e-commerce. Engineering changes described include changes in tire technology, increased use of air suspension, greater use of 102-in. (2.59-m) trailer width, and increased use of tridem axles and liftable axles. Past trends and ongoing changes in trucking are used to estimate future changes and outline their potential effect on pavement design and performance.
Samenvatting