Cairo University Academic Year

Faculty of Engineering Highway and Airports Engineering (1) 2018-2019

Civil Engineering Dept.

SHEET (S-4): STRESSES IN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS

1. Compute and plot (on the same chart) the vertical stresses and deformations at various depths
under the center of wheel for the following cases. Modulus of deformation of the subgrade is
5,000 psi.
a. A single-wheel load of 5,000 Ibs and tire pressure of 75 psi.
b. A single-wheel load of 5,000 Ibs and tire pressure of 150 psi.
c. A single-wheel load of 10,000 Ibs and tire pressure of 150 psi.
d. A set of dual tires spaced 20" c-c with a total gear load of 10,000 Ibs and tire pressure of 150
psi.
e. A set of dual-tandem 20"x46" carrying 10,000 Ibs per wheel and tire pressure of 150 psi.
Comment on the results.

2. In the shown two layer system, using Burmister Theory, calculate the vertical stress and
deflection under the center of the wheel at the top of the subgrade layer.

3. Given a pavement layer (Ep = 400,000 psi & t = 18") and a single wheel load of 120 kips (P t =
120 psi). Using Burmister analysis, determine the required subgrade modulus of elasticity (E 2)
to limit the total surface deflection to 0.11".

4. A plate bearing test using a 30" diameter rigid plate was made on a subgrade as well as on a 10"
of gravel base course. The unit load required to cause settlement of 0.1" was 25 and 80 psi,
respectively. Determine the required thickness of base course to sustain a dual load of 24,000
Ibs on both tires with dual spacing equals 35" and 120 psi tire pressure while maintaining a
deflection of 0.1".

5. A dual wheel having a load per tire of 50,000 pounds, 100 psi tire pressure, and a 30-inch center
to center wheel spacing. This dual wheel is placed on a subgrade characterized by E= 5,000 psi.
It is required to:
a. Determine the equivalent single wheel load at Z=15" using the equal deflection criteria.
b. Determine the equivalent single wheel load at Z=15" using the equal stress criteria.
c. Comment on the results of (a) and (b) above.