Structural Assessment of Rigid Pavement Systems Under Heavy Loading Conditions

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 01 | Page : 37 49
    By

    Birendra Kumar Singh,

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of pavement and foundation layer design subjected to heavy vertical loads and upward soil pressure. A total load of 1716 tonnes transmitted from the superstructure is considered acting on the pavement system. Due to upward soil pressure, tensile stresses develop in the foundation layers, requiring adequate thickness of sand and aggregate layers to ensure structural stability. Based on the tensile strength of sand (2 N/mm²), the required thickness of the sand layer is calculated as 477 mm. Similarly, considering the tensile strength of aggregate, the required thickness of the aggregate layer is determined as 318 mm. The design of the plain cement concrete (P.C.C.) road is carried out assuming uniformly distributed Class AA loading. As the load-induced deflection is minimal under such conditions, reinforcement is not required for the P.C.C. pavement. However, when the pavement is constructed over weak soil strata, higher deflections occur, necessitating reinforcement and the adoption of reinforced cement concrete (R.C.C.) roads. The study highlights the importance of layer-wise strength consideration in pavement and foundation design under heavy loading conditions. When P.C.C road is made on weak soil then more deflection takes place hence we use reinforcement then R.C.C road is constructed on weak soil. In case of foundation base slab since concentrated load acting from column hence more deflection takes place then U.D.L hence we use reinforcement in foundation base slab.

 

Keywords: Heavy vertical loading, layer thickness optimization, pavement design, PCC and RCC roads, upward soil pressure

[This article belongs to Trends in Transport Engineering and Applications ]

How to cite this article:
Birendra Kumar Singh. Structural Assessment of Rigid Pavement Systems Under Heavy Loading Conditions. Trends in Transport Engineering and Applications. 2026; 13(01):37-49.
How to cite this URL:
Birendra Kumar Singh. Structural Assessment of Rigid Pavement Systems Under Heavy Loading Conditions. Trends in Transport Engineering and Applications. 2026; 13(01):37-49. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ttea/article=2026/view=241820


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 01
Received 03/02/2026
Accepted 05/02/2026
Published 09/02/2026
Publication Time 6 Days
1

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