GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
NATIONAL TRANSPORT RESEARCH CENTRE

NTRC AXLE LOAD SURVEY ON NATIONAL HIGHWAY &

MOTORWAY NETWORK OF PAKISTAN

FINAL REPORT
December, 2020

F I N I T E E N G I N E E R I N G ( P V T . ) L T D.
nd
2 Floor, Ghousia Plaza, Main Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area,
Islamabad - Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-2604350
Fax:+92-51-2604351
info@finite-engr.com


 NTRC Axle Load Survey on National Highway & Motorway Network of Pakistan
FINAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..................................................................................................................... vii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... viii

ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT ................................................................................................... xiv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................................. xv

LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................ xvi

LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................. xxii

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Background .......................................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Need Assessment ................................................................................................................................................ 1-2
1.2.1 Improvement of Road Network ................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.2.2 Traffic Patterns......................................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.2.3 Change in Loading Characteristics and Vehicle Types ............................................................................. 1-2
1.3 Scope of the Project ............................................................................................................................................. 1-3
1.4 Objectives of the Study......................................................................................................................................... 1-4
1.5 Technical Background .......................................................................................................................................... 1-5
1.6 Effects of Overloading .......................................................................................................................................... 1-5
1.6.1 Braking Efficiency of Vehicle .................................................................................................................... 1-6
1.6.2 Traffic Safety Issues................................................................................................................................. 1-6
1.7 Past Axle Load Studies ........................................................................................................................................ 1-7
1.7.1 NTRC Axle Load Study 1982 ................................................................................................................... 1-7
1.7.2 Multi Axle Vehicle Survey 1982 ................................................................................................................ 1-7
1.7.3 Axle Load Study 1988 .............................................................................................................................. 1-7
1.7.4 Road Research and Material Testing Institute Study 1989 ....................................................................... 1-7
1.7.5 Axle Load Study 1993 .............................................................................................................................. 1-8
1.7.6 NTRC Axle Load Study 1995 ................................................................................................................... 1-8

2 VEHICLE – PAVEMENT INTERACTION ................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 2-1
2.2 Contact Pressure.................................................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.3 Load Distribution to Subgrade Soil ....................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.4 Factors Affecting Pavement Stresses ................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.4.1 Tire Size................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.4.2 Tire Pressure ........................................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.4.3 Wheel Configuration................................................................................................................................. 2-2
2.4.4 Axle Configurations .................................................................................................................................. 2-3
2.4.5 Static vs Moving Load .............................................................................................................................. 2-3
2.4.6 Load Repetitions ...................................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.5 Standard Axle Load .............................................................................................................................................. 2-3
2.5.1 Damaging Effect of Axle Load .................................................................................................................. 2-4
2.5.2 AASHTO Road Test ................................................................................................................................. 2-4
2.5.3 AASHTO Pavement Design Guide, 1993 ................................................................................................. 2-4
2.5.4 Overseas Road Note 40 ........................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.5.5 Analysis Methodology Used ..................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.6 Axle Load Limits in Different Countries ................................................................................................................. 2-5
2.6.1 India ......................................................................................................................................................... 2-6
2.6.2 The United States of America (USA) ........................................................................................................ 2-6
2.6.3 South East Asia ....................................................................................................................................... 2-6

3 RESOURCES REQUIRED FOR AXLE LOAD SURVEY ........................................................... 3-1

3.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.1.1 Permanent Weigh Bridges ....................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.2 Portable Weigh Pads ............................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.3 Weigh In Motion ....................................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.2 Equipment used for the Study .............................................................................................................................. 3-2
3.3 Specifications of the Portable Weighing Unit ........................................................................................................ 3-3

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3.4 Calibration of Existing Weigh Bridges and Portable Weigh Pads .......................................................................... 3-3

4 METHODOLOGY FOR AXLE LOAD SURVEY.......................................................................... 4-1

4.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Data Collection / Coordination with Relevant Departments ................................................................................... 4-1
4.3 Survey Duration & Timing ..................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.4 Pilot Visits ............................................................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.5 Survey Site Layout & Location for Mobile Weigh Pads ......................................................................................... 4-3
4.6 Vehicle Categories & Axle Configuration .............................................................................................................. 4-4
4.7 Survey Management ............................................................................................................................................ 4-4
4.8 Traffic Safety & Police Assistance ........................................................................................................................ 4-5
4.9 Periodic Inspection by Client ................................................................................................................................ 4-6
4.10 Live Streaming ..................................................................................................................................................... 4-7
4.11 Data Management ................................................................................................................................................ 4-7
4.11.1 Data Sorting ............................................................................................................................................. 4-7
4.11.2 Data Checking ......................................................................................................................................... 4-7
4.11.3 Provision of Data for NTRC ...................................................................................................................... 4-7

5 TRAFFIC VOLUME & PROPORTION OF TRUCKS .................................................................. 5-1

5.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 5-1
5.2 Classification of Vehicles ...................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.3 Truck Traffic Volume by Axle Configuration .......................................................................................................... 5-2
5.4 Sample Size ......................................................................................................................................................... 5-2
5.5 Distribution of Weighed Trucks by Axle Configuration........................................................................................... 5-3
5.6 Distribution of Trucks by Make ............................................................................................................................. 5-3
5.7 Distribution of Trucks by Body Type ..................................................................................................................... 5-4
5.8 Distribution of Trucks by Type .............................................................................................................................. 5-5
5.9 Distribution of Loaded and Empty Trucks ............................................................................................................. 5-5

6 DATA ANALYSIS FOR MOTORWAYS & NATIONAL HIGHWAYS ......................................... 6-1

6.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 6-1
6.2 Distribution of Load over Front & Rear Axles ........................................................................................................ 6-1
6.3 Weight of Empty Trucks for each Axle Configuration ............................................................................................ 6-1
6.4 Motorways ............................................................................................................................................................ 6-1
6.4.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on Motorways.................................................................... 6-2
6.4.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on Motorways .......................................................................................... 6-3
6.4.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on Motorways ............................................................................... 6-4
6.4.4 Front & Rear Axle Load Spectrum on Motorways ..................................................................................... 6-6
6.4.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on Motorways ............................................................................... 6-7
6.4.6 Analysis by Make Type on Motorways ..................................................................................................... 6-7
6.4.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on Motorways ............................................................................. 6-10
6.4.8 Analysis by Body Type on Motorways .................................................................................................... 6-11
6.4.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on Motorways ...................................................................................... 6-13
6.4.10 Analysis by Type on Motorways ............................................................................................................. 6-14
6.4.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on Motorways ..................................................................................... 6-15
6.4.12 Analysis based on Commodities on Motorways ...................................................................................... 6-16
6.4.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on Motorways ................................................................... 6-22
6.4.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on Motorways .......................................................................................... 6-22
6.5 National Highways.............................................................................................................................................. 6-23
6.5.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highways ..................................................... 6-24
6.5.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highways ............................................................................ 6-24
6.5.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highways ................................................................. 6-26
6.5.4 Front & Rear Axle Load Spectrum on National Highways ....................................................................... 6-27
6.5.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highways ................................................................. 6-28
6.5.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highways ....................................................................................... 6-29
6.5.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highways ................................................................. 6-32
6.5.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highways ........................................................................................ 6-33
6.5.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highways .......................................................................... 6-36
6.5.10 Analysis by Vehicle Type on National Highways .................................................................................... 6-36
6.5.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highways ......................................................................... 6-37
6.5.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highways.......................................................................... 6-38
6.5.13 Damage Factor for each Axle Configuration on National Highways ........................................................ 6-44
6.5.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highways .............................................................................. 6-45

7 DATA ANALYSIS FOR MOTORWAYS ..................................................................................... 7-1

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7.1 Motorway M-1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on Motorway M-1 .............................................................. 7-1
7.1.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on Motorway M-1 ..................................................................................... 7-1
7.1.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on Motorway M-1 .......................................................................... 7-3
7.1.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on Motorway M-1 ............................................................................... 7-4
7.1.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on Motorway M-1.......................................................................... 7-4
7.1.6 Analysis by Make Type on Motorway M-1 ................................................................................................ 7-5
7.1.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on Motorway M-1 .......................................................................... 7-7
7.1.8 Analysis by Body Type on Motorway M-1 ................................................................................................. 7-7
7.1.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on Motorway M-1 ................................................................................. 7-10
7.1.10 Analysis by Type on Motorway M-1 ........................................................................................................ 7-10
7.1.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on Motorway M-1 ................................................................................ 7-11
7.1.12 Analysis based on Commodities on Motorway M-1 ................................................................................ 7-12
7.1.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on Motorway M-1 .............................................................. 7-15
7.1.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on Motorway M-1 ..................................................................................... 7-16
7.2 Motorway M-2 .................................................................................................................................................... 7-16
7.2.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on Motorway M-2 ............................................................ 7-16
7.2.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on Motorway M-2 ................................................................................... 7-17
7.2.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on Motorway M-2 ........................................................................ 7-18
7.2.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on Motorway M-2 ............................................................................. 7-19
7.2.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on Motorway M-2........................................................................ 7-19
7.2.6 Analysis by Make Type on Motorway M-2 .............................................................................................. 7-20
7.2.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on Motorway M-2 ........................................................................ 7-22
7.2.8 Analysis by Body Type on Motorway M-2 ............................................................................................... 7-22
7.2.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on Motorway M-2 ................................................................................. 7-25
7.2.10 Analysis by Type on Motorway M-2 ........................................................................................................ 7-25
7.2.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on Motorway M-2 ................................................................................ 7-26
7.2.12 Analysis based on Commodities on Motorway M-2 ................................................................................ 7-27
7.2.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on Motorway M-2 .............................................................. 7-31
7.2.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on Motorway M-2 ..................................................................................... 7-32
7.3 Motorway M-4 .................................................................................................................................................... 7-32
7.3.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on Motorway M-4 ............................................................ 7-32
7.3.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on Motorway M-4 ................................................................................... 7-32
7.3.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on Motorway M-4 ........................................................................ 7-34
7.3.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on Motorway M-4 ............................................................................. 7-35
7.3.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on Motorway M-4........................................................................ 7-35
7.3.6 Analysis by Make Type on Motorway M-4 .............................................................................................. 7-36
7.3.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on Motorway M-4 ........................................................................ 7-38
7.3.8 Analysis by Body Type on Motorway M-4 ............................................................................................... 7-39
7.3.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on Motorway M-4 ................................................................................. 7-41
7.3.10 Analysis by Type on Motorway M-4 ........................................................................................................ 7-41
7.3.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on Motorway M-4 ................................................................................ 7-42
7.3.12 Analysis based on Commodities on Motorway M-4 ................................................................................ 7-43
7.3.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on Motorway M-4 .............................................................. 7-47
7.3.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on Motorway M-4 ..................................................................................... 7-47

8 DATA ANALYSIS FOR NATIONAL HIGHWAYS ...................................................................... 8-1

8.1 National Highway N-5 ........................................................................................................................................... 8-1
8.1.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-5................................................... 8-1
8.1.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-5 ......................................................................... 8-1
8.1.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-5 .............................................................. 8-3
8.1.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-5 ................................................................... 8-4
8.1.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-5 .............................................................. 8-4
8.1.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-5..................................................................................... 8-4
8.1.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-5 .............................................................. 8-7
8.1.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-5 ..................................................................................... 8-8
8.1.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-5 ..................................................................... 8-10
8.1.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-5 ............................................................................................ 8-11
8.1.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-5 .................................................................... 8-12
8.1.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-5 ..................................................................... 8-12
8.1.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-5 .................................................. 8-18
8.1.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-5 ......................................................................... 8-19
8.2 National Highway N-10 ....................................................................................................................................... 8-19
8.2.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-10............................................... 8-20
8.2.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-10 ..................................................................... 8-20

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8.2.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-10........................................................... 8-21

8.2.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-10 ............................................................... 8-22
8.2.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-10 .......................................................... 8-23
8.2.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-10 ................................................................................. 8-23
8.2.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-10 .......................................................... 8-24
8.2.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-10 ................................................................................. 8-25
8.2.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-10.................................................................... 8-26
8.2.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-10 .......................................................................................... 8-27
8.2.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-10 .................................................................. 8-27
8.2.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-10 ................................................................... 8-28
8.2.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-10 ................................................ 8-31
8.2.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-10 ....................................................................... 8-32
8.3 National Highway N-15 ....................................................................................................................................... 8-32
8.3.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-15............................................... 8-32
8.3.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-15 ..................................................................... 8-33
8.3.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-15........................................................... 8-34
8.3.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-15 ............................................................... 8-35
8.3.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-15 .......................................................... 8-35
8.3.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-15 ................................................................................. 8-36
8.3.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-15 .......................................................... 8-37
8.3.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-15 ................................................................................. 8-37
8.3.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-15.................................................................... 8-38
8.3.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-15 .......................................................................................... 8-39
8.3.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-15 .................................................................. 8-39
8.3.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-15 ................................................................... 8-40
8.3.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-15 ................................................ 8-42
8.3.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-15 ....................................................................... 8-42
8.4 National Highway N-25 ....................................................................................................................................... 8-43
8.4.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-25............................................... 8-43
8.4.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-25 ..................................................................... 8-43
8.4.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-25........................................................... 8-44
8.4.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-25 ............................................................... 8-45
8.4.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-25 .......................................................... 8-46
8.4.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-25 ................................................................................. 8-46
8.4.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-25 .......................................................... 8-48
8.4.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-25 ................................................................................. 8-49
8.4.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-25.................................................................... 8-51
8.4.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-25 .......................................................................................... 8-51
8.4.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-25 .................................................................. 8-52
8.4.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-25 ................................................................... 8-52
8.4.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-25 ................................................ 8-57
8.4.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-25 ....................................................................... 8-57
8.5 National Highway N-35 ....................................................................................................................................... 8-58
8.5.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-35............................................... 8-58
8.5.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-35 ..................................................................... 8-58
8.5.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-35........................................................... 8-60
8.5.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-35 ............................................................... 8-61
8.5.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-35 .......................................................... 8-61
8.5.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-35 ................................................................................. 8-62
8.5.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-35 .......................................................... 8-64
8.5.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-35 ................................................................................. 8-64
8.5.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-35.................................................................... 8-67
8.5.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-35 .......................................................................................... 8-67
8.5.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-35 .................................................................. 8-68
8.5.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-35 ................................................................... 8-69
8.5.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-35 ................................................ 8-73
8.5.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-35 ....................................................................... 8-73
8.6 National Highway N-40 ....................................................................................................................................... 8-74
8.6.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-40............................................... 8-74
8.6.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-40 ..................................................................... 8-74
8.6.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-40........................................................... 8-76
8.6.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-40 ............................................................... 8-77
8.6.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-40 .......................................................... 8-77
8.6.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-40 ................................................................................. 8-78
8.6.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-40 .......................................................... 8-80
8.6.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-40 ................................................................................. 8-80

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8.6.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-40.................................................................... 8-82

8.6.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-40 .......................................................................................... 8-83
8.6.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-40 .................................................................. 8-83
8.6.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-40 ................................................................... 8-84
8.6.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-40 ................................................ 8-88
8.6.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-40 ....................................................................... 8-88
8.7 National Highway N-45 ....................................................................................................................................... 8-89
8.7.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-45............................................... 8-89
8.7.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-45 ..................................................................... 8-89
8.7.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-45........................................................... 8-91
8.7.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-45 ............................................................... 8-92
8.7.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-45 .......................................................... 8-92
8.7.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-45 ................................................................................. 8-92
8.7.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-45 .......................................................... 8-94
8.7.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-45 ................................................................................. 8-94
8.7.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-45.................................................................... 8-96
8.7.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-45 .......................................................................................... 8-97
8.7.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-45 .................................................................. 8-97
8.7.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-45 ................................................................... 8-98
8.7.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-45 .............................................. 8-101
8.7.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-45 ..................................................................... 8-102
8.8 National Highway N-55 ..................................................................................................................................... 8-102
8.8.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-55............................................. 8-102
8.8.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-55 ................................................................... 8-103
8.8.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-55......................................................... 8-104
8.8.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-55 ............................................................. 8-105
8.8.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-55 ........................................................ 8-105
8.8.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-55 ............................................................................... 8-106
8.8.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-55 ........................................................ 8-108
8.8.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-55 ............................................................................... 8-109
8.8.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-55.................................................................. 8-111
8.8.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-55 ........................................................................................ 8-112
8.8.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-55 ................................................................ 8-113
8.8.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-55 ................................................................. 8-113
8.8.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-55 .............................................. 8-118
8.8.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-55 ..................................................................... 8-119
8.9 National Highway N-65 ..................................................................................................................................... 8-119
8.9.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-65............................................. 8-119
8.9.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-65 ................................................................... 8-120
8.9.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-65......................................................... 8-121
8.9.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-65 ............................................................. 8-122
8.9.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-65 ........................................................ 8-123
8.9.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-65 ............................................................................... 8-123
8.9.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-65 ........................................................ 8-125
8.9.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-65 ............................................................................... 8-126
8.9.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-65.................................................................. 8-128
8.9.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-65 ........................................................................................ 8-128
8.9.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-65 ................................................................ 8-129
8.9.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-65 ................................................................. 8-130
8.9.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-65 .............................................. 8-134
8.9.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-65 ..................................................................... 8-135
8.10 National Highway N-70 ..................................................................................................................................... 8-135
8.10.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-70............................................. 8-135
8.10.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-70 ................................................................... 8-136
8.10.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-70......................................................... 8-137
8.10.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-70 ............................................................. 8-138
8.10.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-70 ........................................................ 8-138
8.10.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-70 ............................................................................... 8-139
8.10.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-70 ........................................................ 8-141
8.10.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-70 ............................................................................... 8-141
8.10.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-70.................................................................. 8-143
8.10.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-70 ........................................................................................ 8-143
8.10.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-70 ................................................................ 8-144
8.10.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-70 ................................................................. 8-144
8.10.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-70 .............................................. 8-147
8.10.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-70 ..................................................................... 8-148

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8.11 National Highway N-75 ..................................................................................................................................... 8-148

8.11.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-75............................................. 8-148
8.11.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-75 ................................................................... 8-149
8.11.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-75......................................................... 8-149
8.11.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-75 ............................................................. 8-150
8.11.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-75 ........................................................ 8-150
8.11.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-75 ............................................................................... 8-151
8.11.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-75 ........................................................ 8-151
8.11.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-75 ............................................................................... 8-152
8.11.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-75.................................................................. 8-152
8.11.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-75 ........................................................................................ 8-152
8.11.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-75 ................................................................ 8-153
8.11.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-75 ................................................................. 8-153
8.11.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-75 .............................................. 8-154
8.11.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-75 ..................................................................... 8-154
8.12 National Highway N-80 ..................................................................................................................................... 8-154
8.12.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-80............................................. 8-154
8.12.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-80 ................................................................... 8-155
8.12.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-80......................................................... 8-156
8.12.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-80 ............................................................. 8-157
8.12.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-80 ........................................................ 8-158
8.12.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-80 ............................................................................... 8-158
8.12.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-80 ........................................................ 8-160
8.12.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-80 ............................................................................... 8-160
8.12.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-80.................................................................. 8-162
8.12.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-80 ........................................................................................ 8-163
8.12.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-80 ................................................................ 8-164
8.12.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-80 ................................................................. 8-164
8.12.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-80 .............................................. 8-169
8.12.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-80 ..................................................................... 8-169
8.13 National Highway N-85 ..................................................................................................................................... 8-170
8.13.1 Distribution of Vehicles by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-85............................................. 8-170
8.13.2 Analysis by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-85 ................................................................... 8-170
8.13.3 Load Spectrum by Axle Configuration on National Highway N-85......................................................... 8-172
8.13.4 Rear Axle Load Spectrum (Single) on National Highway N-85 ............................................................. 8-173
8.13.5 Distribution of Vehicles by Make Type on National Highway N-85 ........................................................ 8-173
8.13.6 Analysis by Make Type on National Highway N-85 ............................................................................... 8-174
8.13.7 Distribution of Vehicles by Body Type on National Highway N-85 ........................................................ 8-176
8.13.8 Analysis by Body Type on National Highway N-85 ............................................................................... 8-176
8.13.9 Distribution of Vehicles by Type on National Highway N-85.................................................................. 8-178
8.13.10 Analysis by Type on National Highway N-85 ........................................................................................ 8-178
8.13.11 Commodities carried by vehicles on National Highway N-85 ................................................................ 8-179
8.13.12 Analysis based on Commodities on National Highway N-85 ................................................................. 8-179
8.13.13 Damage Factor for Major Axle Configuration on National Highway N-85 .............................................. 8-183
8.13.14 Tire Pressure Measurements on National Highway N-85 ..................................................................... 8-184

9 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................... 9-1

9.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 9-1
9.2 Comparison of Rehabilitation of Pavement versus Fine System ........................................................................... 9-1
9.3 Braking Efficiency of Overloaded Vehicles ........................................................................................................... 9-4
9.4 Shedding of Excessive Loads and their Storage ................................................................................................... 9-5
9.5 Transport Cost & benefits of Overloading versus Overloading Control.................................................................. 9-5

10 CONCLUSIONS OF STUDY & RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AXLE LOAD CONTROL ......... 10-1
10.1 Conclusions........................................................................................................................................................ 10-1
10.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 10-3

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................... i

ANNEXURES .......................................................................................................................................... i

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 NTRC Axle Load Survey on National Highway & Motorway Network of Pakistan
FINAL REPORT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All praises and thanks to Allah Almighty alone, the most Merciful and the most Beneficent,
Who is the entire source of knowledge and wisdom to mankind. It is He who gave us courage, ability
and fortitude to accomplish this project. All praises and respect for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who
preached his followers to seek knowledge from cradle to grave.
We first take the opportunity to record our deep and sincere gratitude for our respected client,
National Transport Research Centre (NTRC) whose valuable guidance, active supervision,
continuous encouragement and all time cooperation has helped us on every stage of the project
activities to complete the assigned task of national interest. We would also like to pay our special
thanks to Mr. Hameed Akhtar, Chief NTRC, Mr. Khizer Javed, Dy. Chief, Mr. Muhammad Sayyar,
Dy. Chief and allied staff for assistance and collaboration extended by them during project execution.
We are greatly indebted to the Secretary, Ministry of Communications, for his unforgettable
cooperation in execution and successful completion of the project.
Last but not the least we cannot forget the hard work and commitment of our entire team members
that led us to the accomplishment of this project.
May Allah Bless Us All.
Finite Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd.

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