CAIRO UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Eng. Mohamed Saber

Teaching Assistant of Highways, Traffic & Airport Engineering

Public Works Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University
 Loads
Wheel = Tire

Gear

Axle

Wheel load = Ps

Axle
Wheel = Tire

Single Tandem
Single dual

2
 Type Wheel Load Gear Load Axle Load
Single Axle with Single tire ≡ Single

Ps Ps 2Ps

Single Axle with dual tires ≡ Dual

Ps 2Ps 4Ps

Tandem Axles with Single tire

Ps 2Ps 4Ps

Tandem Axles with Dual tires ≡ Dual Tandem

Ps 4Ps 8Ps
3
 Pressure
Tire Pressure ( Pt ) = Contact Pressure ( Pc )
Ps (𝒍𝒃𝒔.)
Ps: Wheel Load
𝝅𝒂𝟐 : Contact Area

𝒂: Radius of the contact Area

𝑷𝒔
Pt = Ps (𝒍𝒃𝒔.)
𝝅 ∗ 𝒂𝟐
Pt
𝑷𝒔
a= 𝒊𝒏.
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕 Pt = Pc (𝒑𝒔𝒊)

Pc
Contact Area a

4
Single Axle with Single tire ≡ Single Single Axle with Dual tires ≡ Dual
d1

d1

a a
a
d1 ≈ 20``

Tandem Axles with Dual tires

Tandem Axles with Single tire
Dual Tandem d1

d2 d2

d2

a a
a

d1 ≈ 20``
d2 ≈ 50`` d2 ≈ 50``

a a
a
5
Notes
* 0.45 𝒑𝒔𝒊 ≡ 𝒍𝒃/𝒊𝒏𝟐
𝒍𝒃 kg 𝟏 𝒍𝒃 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟓 𝒌𝒈

*7 𝒌𝑷𝒂 𝟏 𝒑𝒔𝒊 = 𝟕 𝒌𝑷𝒂

𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑷𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉
𝒍𝒃 𝒊𝒏𝟐

* 10 * 10 * 10
𝑴𝑷𝒂 (𝑵/𝒎𝒎𝟐) 𝒌𝒈/𝒄𝒎𝟐 𝒕/𝒎𝟐 𝒌𝑷𝒂 (𝒌𝑵/𝒎𝟐)

𝟏 𝑴𝑷𝒂 (𝑵/𝒎𝒎𝟐) = 𝟏𝟎 𝒌𝒈/𝒄𝒎𝟐 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒕/𝒎𝟐 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒌𝑷𝒂 (𝒌𝑵/𝒎𝟐)

𝟏 𝒑𝒔𝒊 = 𝟕 𝒌𝑷𝒂 = 𝟎. 𝟕 𝒕/𝒎𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕 𝒌𝒈/𝒄𝒎𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟕 𝑴𝑷𝒂

6
 Stresses & Deflection
Getting Vertical Stress (  ) and Deflection Ps (𝒍𝒃𝒔.)
( ∆ ) at any point under the wheel due to 𝑷𝒔
a= (𝒊𝒏. )
the applied loads 𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕

Any Point has 2 dimensions a

Pt (𝒑𝒔𝒊)

2
z r z3
Depth from the Distance from C.L of the
surface to the point wheel load to the point z1
3
EX.
Point 1 z1 r1 1
Point 2 z2 = 0 r2 = 0 r1

Point 3 z3 r3 = 0

7
 Stresses & Deflection
Two Methods to get stresses and deflection

Boussinesq Burmister

Ps (𝒍𝒃𝒔.)
1st ) Boussinesq One Layer Theory 𝑷𝒔
a= (𝒊𝒏. )
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕
Assumptions
a
1) Layers One Layer Pt (𝒑𝒔𝒊)

2) Loads Any Configuration

3) Positions Any Position E1 (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
z Modulus of deformation

Get z/a & r/a r

8
 Boussinesq`s Theory
Vertical Stress (  ) and Deflection ( ∆ )

To get Vertical Stress (  ) To get Deflection ( ∆ )

Using z/a & r/a

Use Fig. (4.1) Use Fig. (4.2)

Get % Get F1

% 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
=( )*Pt ∆=(
𝑬𝟏
) * F1
𝟏𝟎𝟎
9
 Boussinesq`s Theory
% 100
To get Vertical Stress (  )

Using
z/a & r/a

Use Fig. (4.1)

Get %

%
=( )*Pt
𝟏𝟎𝟎

10
 Boussinesq`s Theory
To get Deflection ( ∆ ) F1 1.5

Using
z/a & r/a

Use Fig. (4.2)

Get F1

𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
∆=( ) * F1
𝑬𝟏

11
Note
Ps (𝒍𝒃𝒔.)
At ( r=0 & z=0 ) 𝑷𝒔
a= (𝒊𝒏. )
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕
At Surface ( Point 1 )
a
Pt (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
z/a = 0 & r/a = 0
1

Use Fig. (4.1) Use Fig. (4.2)

% = 100 % F1 = 1.5

% 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
=( )*Pt = Pt ∆ = 1.5 *( )
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝑬𝟏
12
 EX.
Compute the vertical stress and deformation at point ( p ) under the center of one of the wheels
by a depth = 5" for a set of dual tires spaced 20" center-to-center with a total gear load of 20,000
lbs. and tire pressure of 120 psi. Modulus of deformation of the subgrade is 5,000 psi.

Ps=10,000 lbs. Pt= 120 psi Ps = 10,000 lbs Ps = 10,000 lbs

𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 d1 = 20``
a= 𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗ 𝝅
= 5.15" z/a = 5/5.15 = 0.971
Pt = 120 psi
r1/a = 0/5.15 = 0.0 r2/a = 20/5.15 = 3.88
from Fig. (4.1)
z/a = 0.971 r1/a = 0.0 Get %1 Subgrade
5" E1 = 5,000 psi
z/a = 0.971 r2/a = 3.88 Get %2
%𝟏 + %𝟐 %𝟏 + %𝟐
=( )*Pt = ( ) * 120
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎
r2 = d1 = 20``
from Fig. (4.2)
z/a = 0.971 r1/a = 0.0 Get F11
r1 = 0
z/a = 0.971 r2/a = 3.88 Get F12
𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟏𝟓
∆=( ) * ( F11 + F12 ) = ( ) * ( F11 + F12 )
𝑬𝟏 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 13
 z/a = 0.971 r1/a = 0.0 Get %1
from Fig. (4.1)
z/a = 0.971 r2/a = 3.88 Get %2
0.2 % 68 %

0.971

%𝟏 + %𝟐 𝟔𝟖 + 𝟎.𝟐
P = ( ) * 120 = ( ) * 120 = 81.84 psi
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎
14
 z/a = 0.971 r1/a = 0.0 Get F11
from Fig. (4.2)
z/a = 0.971 r2/a = 3.88 Get F12

0.215 1.18

0.971

𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟏𝟓 𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟏𝟓

∆=( ) * ( F11 + F12 ) = ( ) * ( 1.18 + 0.215) = 0.172"
𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 15
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 6,000 psi.
a. A single-wheel load of 10,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 80 psi.
b. A single-wheel load of 10,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 110 psi.
c. A single-wheel load of 16,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 110 psi.
d. A set of dual tires spaced 20" center-to-center with a total gear load of 16,000
lbs. and tire pressure of 110 psi.
e. A set of dual-tandem spaced 20"×50" carrying 10,000 lbs. per wheel and tire
pressure of 110 psi.
Comment on the results.

Only one layer Boussinesq One-Layer Theory E1 = 6000 psi

Vertical Stress (  ) Deflection ( ∆ )

Depth ( Z )
Depth ( Z )

16
a. A single-wheel load of 10,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 80 psi
𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 Ps = 10,000 lbs
Ps=10,000 lbs. Pt= 80 psi a= = 6.308"
𝟖𝟎 ∗ 𝝅

% %
=( )*Pt = ( ) * 80 % from Fig. (4.1) Pt = 80 psi
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎

𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝟖𝟎 ∗𝟔.𝟑𝟎𝟖
∆=( ) * F1 = ( ) * F1 F1 from Fig. (4.2) Subgrade
𝑬𝟏 𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎 E1 = 6,000 psi

under the center of wheel

z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00

𝒛
Z ( in. ) 0.00 12.62 25.23 z=( )*a
𝒂
r/a 0.00

17
 z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00
𝒛
Z ( in. ) 0.00 12.62 25.23 z=( )*a
𝒂
r/a 0.00
% 100.00 28.00 8.80
%
 ( psi ) 80.00 22.4 7.04 =( ) * 80
𝟏𝟎𝟎
8.8 % 28 %

18
 z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00
𝒛
Z ( in. ) 0.00 12.62 25.23 z=( )*a
𝒂
r/a 0.00
% 100.00 28.00 8.80
%
 ( psi ) 80.00 22.40 7.04 =( ) * 80
𝟏𝟎𝟎
F1 1.50 0.68 0.37
∆ ( in. ) 0.126 0.057 0.031
𝟖𝟎 ∗𝟔.𝟑𝟎𝟖
0.37 0.68 ∆=( ) * F1
𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎

19
 z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00
Z ( in. ) 0.00 12.62 25.23
r/a 0.00
% 100.00 28.00 8.80
 ( psi ) 80.00 22.40 7.04
F1 1.50 0.68 0.37
∆ ( in. ) 0.126 0.057 0.031

Stress Vs. Depth Deflection Vs. Depth

Stress (psi) Deflection (in)
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150
0.00 0.00

10.00 10.00

20.00 20.00
Depth (in)

Depth (in)
30.00 Case a 30.00 Case a

40.00 40.00

50.00 50.00

60.00 60.00

20
b. A single-wheel load of 10,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 110 psi.
𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 Ps = 10,000 lbs
Ps=10,000 lbs. Pt= 110 psi a= = 5.379"
𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗ 𝝅

% %
=( )*Pt = ( ) * 110 % from Fig. (4.1) Pt = 110 psi
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎

𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟑𝟕𝟗
∆=( ) * F1 = ( ) * F1 F1 from Fig. (4.2) Subgrade
𝑬𝟏 𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎 E1 = 6,000 psi

z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00

𝒛
Z ( in. ) 0.00 10.76 21.52 z=( )*a
𝒂
r/a 0.00
% 100.00
%
 ( psi ) 110.00  = ( 𝟏𝟎𝟎 ) * 110
F1 1.50
∆ ( in. ) 0.148
𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟑𝟕𝟗
∆=( ) * F1
𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎

21
 Stress Vs. Depth Deflection Vs. Depth
Stress (psi) Deflection (in)
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150
0.00 0.00

10.00 10.00

20.00 20.00
Depth (in)

Depth (in)
30.00 Case a 30.00 Case a

40.00 40.00

50.00 50.00

60.00 60.00

Case (b): The same wheel load as case (a) but more tire pressure
Stress Vs. Depth Deflection Vs. Depth
Stress (psi) Deflection (in)
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
0.00 0.00

10.00 10.00

Case a Case a
20.00 Depth (in) 20.00
Depth (in)

30.00 30.00

40.00 Case b 40.00 Case b

50.00 50.00

60.00 60.00

22
c. A single-wheel load of 16,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 110 psi.
𝟏𝟔,𝟎𝟎𝟎 Ps = 16,000 lbs
Ps=16,000 lbs. Pt= 110 psi a= = 6.804"
𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗ 𝝅

% %
=( )*Pt = ( ) * 110 % from Fig. (4.1) Pt = 110 psi
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎

𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗𝟔.𝟖𝟎𝟒
∆=( ) * F1 = ( ) * F1 F1 from Fig. (4.2) Subgrade
𝑬𝟏 𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎 E1 = 6,000 psi

z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 𝒛

Z ( in. ) 0.00 13.61 27.22 z=( )*a
𝒂
r/a 0.00
% 100.00
%
 ( psi ) 110.00  = ( 𝟏𝟎𝟎 ) * 110
F1 1.50
∆ ( in. ) 0.187
𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗𝟔.𝟖𝟎𝟒
∆=( ) * F1
𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎

23
 Stress Vs. Depth Deflection Vs. Depth
Stress (psi) Deflection (in)
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
0.00 0.00

10.00 10.00

Case a Case a
20.00 20.00

Depth (in)
Depth (in)

30.00 30.00

40.00 40.00 Case b

Case b

50.00 50.00

60.00 60.00

Case (c): The same tire pressure as case (b) but more wheel load
Stress Vs. Depth Deflection Vs. Depth
Stress (psi) Deflection (in)
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
0.00 0.00

10.00 10.00
Case a Case a
20.00 20.00
Depth (in)
Depth (in)

30.00 Case b 30.00 Case b

40.00 40.00
Case c Case c
50.00 50.00

60.00 60.00
24
d. A set of dual tires spaced 20" center-to-center with a total gear
load of 16,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 110 psi.

Ps = 8,000 lbs Ps = 8,000 lbs

r2 = d1 = 20``
d1 = 20``

Pt = 110 psi
r1 = 0
Subgrade
E1 = 6,000 psi

𝟖,𝟎𝟎𝟎
Ps=8,000 lbs. Pt= 110 psi a= = 4.811"
𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗ 𝝅

%𝟏 + %𝟐 %𝟏 + %𝟐
=( )*Pt = ( ) * 110 %1 & %2 from Fig. (4.1)
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎

𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗ 𝟒.𝟖𝟏𝟏
∆=( ) * ( F11 + F12 ) = ( ) * ( F11 + F12 ) F11 & F12 from Fig. (4.2)
𝑬𝟏 𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎

z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00

𝒛
Z ( in. ) 0.00 9.62 19.25 z=( )*a
𝒂
25
 Ps = 8,000 lbs Ps = 8,000 lbs
r2 = d1 = 20`` d1 = 20``

Pt = 110 psi

r1 = 0
Subgrade
E1 = 6,000 psi

z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00

𝒛
Z ( in. ) 0.00 9.62 19.25 z=( )*a
𝒂
r1/a 0.00
%1 100.00 28.00
F11 1.5 0.68
r2/a 20/4.811 = 4.16
%2 0 0.70
F12 0.18 0.20
 ( psi ) 110.00 31.57
∆ ( in. ) 0.148 0.078

%𝟏 + %𝟐 𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗ 𝟒.𝟖𝟏𝟏
=( ) * 110 ∆=(
𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎
) * ( F11 + F12 )
𝟏𝟎𝟎
26
 Stress Vs. Depth Deflection Vs. Depth
Stress (psi) Deflection (in)
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
0.00 0.00

10.00 10.00
Case a Case a
20.00 20.00

Depth (in)
Depth (in)

30.00 Case b 30.00 Case b

40.00 40.00
Case c Case c
50.00 50.00

60.00 60.00

Case (d): The same tire pressure as case (c) and the same load but on dual tires
Stress Vs. Depth Deflection Vs. Depth
Stress (psi) Deflection (in)
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
0.00 0.00

10.00 10.00
Case a Case a

20.00 20.00
Depth (in)

Depth (in)
Case b Case b
30.00 30.00
Case c Case c
40.00 40.00

Case d Case d
50.00 50.00

60.00 60.00
27
e. A set of dual-tandem spaced 20" x 50" carrying 10,000 lbs. per
wheel and tire pressure of 110 psi.
Ps = 10,000 lbs Ps = 10,000 lbs Ps = 10,000 lbs Ps = 10,000 lbs
d1 = 20`` d2 = 50``

Pt = 110 psi Pt = 110 psi

r3 = d2 = 50``

Subgrade Subgrade

r2 = d1 = 20``
E1 = 6,000 psi E1 = 6,000 psi
r1 = 0

𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎
Ps=10,000 lbs. Pt= 110 psi a= = 5.379"
𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗ 𝝅
%𝟏 + %𝟐 +%𝟑 + %𝟒 %𝟏 + %𝟐 +%𝟑 + %𝟒
=( )*Pt = ( ) * 110 %i from Fig. (4.1)
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟑𝟕𝟗
∆=( 𝑬𝟏
)*(F11 + F12 + F13 + F14) = ( 𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎
)*(F11 + F12 + F13 + F14) F1i from Fig. (4.2)

z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 𝒛

Z ( in. ) 0.00 10.76 21.52 z=( )*a
𝒂
28
 z/a 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 𝒛
Z ( in. ) 0.00 9.62 19.25 z=( )*a
𝒂
r1/a 0.00
%1 100.00 28.00
F11 1.5 0.68
r2/a 20/5.378 = 3.72
%2 0.00 1.10
F12 0.21 0.235
r3/a 50/5.378 = 9.27
%3 0.00 0.00
F13 0.00 0.00
r4/a 53.85/5.378 = 10.01
%4 0.0 0.00
F14 0.00 0.00
 ( psi ) 110.00 32.01
∆ ( in. ) 0.169 0.090

%𝟏 + %𝟐 +%𝟑 + %𝟒 𝟏𝟏𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟑𝟕𝟗

=( ) * 110 ∆=( 𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎
)*(F11 + F12 + F13 + F14)
𝟏𝟎𝟎

29
 Stress Vs. Depth Deflection Vs. Depth
Stress (psi) Deflection (in)
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
0.00 0.00

10.00 10.00
Case a Case a

20.00 20.00
Depth (in)

Depth (in)
Case b Case b
30.00 30.00
Case c Case c
40.00 40.00

Case d Case d
50.00 50.00

60.00 60.00

Case (e): The same tire pressure as case (b) and the same wheel load but on dual tandem
Stress Vs. Depth Deflection Vs. Depth
Stress (psi) Deflection (in)
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
0.00 0.00

10.00 Case a 10.00 Case a

20.00 Case b 20.00 Case b

Depth (in)

Depth (in)

30.00 Case c 30.00 Case c

40.00 Case d 40.00 Case d

50.00 Case e 50.00 Case e

60.00 60.00
30
 Stresses & Deflection
Two Methods to get stresses and deflection

Boussinesq Burmister

1st ) Boussinesq One Layer Theory Ps (𝒍𝒃𝒔.)

Assumptions a=
𝑷𝒔
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕
(𝒊𝒏. )

1) Layers One Layer a

Pt (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
2) Loads Any Configuration
3) Positions Any Position
E1 (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
z
Get z/a & r/a Modulus of deformation
%
Use Fig. (4.1) Get % =( )*Pt
𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
r
Use Fig. (4.2) Get F1 ∆=( ) * F1 31
𝑬𝟏
 Stresses & Deflection
Two Methods to get stresses and deflection

Boussinesq Burmister

2nd ) Burmister 𝑷𝒔
(𝒊𝒏. )
Ps (𝒍𝒃𝒔.)
Two-Layer Theory a=
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕

Assumptions a
Pt (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
1) Layers Two Layer
2) Loads Single Load ∆ E (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
1
h Reinforcing Layer
Total Surface Deflection ∆
3) Positions Vertical Stress under the 
center of the wheel at the  E2 (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
top of the subgrade layer Subgrade
r/a = 0
Get h/a & E1/E2
32
 Burmister's Theory

Vertical Stress under the center of the

wheel at the top of the subgrade layer To get Total Surface Deflection
()
(∆)
Using h/a & E1/E2

Use Fig. (4.3) Use Fig. (4.4)

Get /Pt Get F2

Rigid Pavement
 Flexible
 = ( )*Pt Or
Pt Pavement
Plate bearing
𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
∆ = 1.5*( ) * F2 ∆ = 1.18*( ) * F2
𝑬𝟐 𝑬𝟐

33
 Burmister's Theory
 /Pt
Vertical Stress under the
center of the wheel at the
top of the subgrade layer
()
Using
h/a & E1/E2

Use Fig. (4.3)

Get /Pt


=( )*P
Pt t

34
 Burmister's Theory
To get Total
Surface Deflection
(∆)
Using
h/a & E1/E2
F2

Use Fig. (4.4)

Get F2

𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
Flexible Pavement ∆ = 1.5*( ) * F2
𝑬𝟐

𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
Rigid Pavement Or Plate bearing ∆ = 1.18*( ) * F2
𝑬𝟐
35
2. Figure 1 shows a two-layer pavement system. Using Burmister Theory, calculate the
total surface deflection & the vertical stress under the center of the wheel at the top of
the subgrade layer.
Ps = 15000 lbs

Pt = 120 psi

Pavement (Base Layer)

10`` E1 = 30,000 psi

Subgrade
E2 = 6,000 psi

Figure (1)

Single Load, Two layer Burmister Two-Layer Theory

𝟏𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎
Ps=15,000 lbs. Pt= 120 psi a= = 6.308"
𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗ 𝝅

E1 = 30,000 psi E2 = 6,000 psi h = 10"

h/a = 10/6.308 = 1.585 E1/E2= 30/6 = 5

36
from Fig. (4.3) h/a = 1.585 E1/E2 = 5 Get  /Pt

0.26

1.585


=( )*P
Pt t
 = 0.26 * 120  = 31.2 Psi
37
 from Fig. (4.4) h/a = 1.585 E1/E2 = 5 Get F2

F2 = 0.485

1.585

∆ = 1.5*(
𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
𝑬𝟐
) * F2 ∆ = 1.5*(
𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗𝟔.𝟑𝟎𝟖
𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎
) * 0.485 ∆ = 0.0918"
38
3. Given a pavement layer (Ep = 300,000 psi & t = 20") and a single wheel load of 13 kips
& Pt = 120 psi. Using Burmister analysis, determine the required subgrade modulus of
elasticity (E2) to limit the total surface deflection to 0.1".

𝟏𝟑,𝟎𝟎𝟎 Ps = 13000 lbs

Ps=13,000 lbs. Pt= 120 psi a= = 5.872"
𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗ 𝝅

E1 = 300,000 psi h = 20" Pt = 120 psi

Required ∆ = 0.1"

20`` Pavement
E2 ∆ = 0.1" E1 = 300,000 psi

𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟖𝟕𝟐
Subgrade
∆ = 1.5*( ) * F2 0.1 = 1.5*( ) * F2 E2 = ??! psi
𝑬𝟐 𝑬𝟐

h/a = 20/5.872 = 3.406 E1/E2

Trial & error

Fig. (4.4) Sub. in eq.
Assume E2 Get E1/E2 Get F2 Get ∆
39
 𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟖𝟕𝟐
∆ = 1.5*( ) * F2
𝑬𝟐

E2 = E1 / ( E1/E2 ) E1 = 300,000 psi

Fig. (4.4) Sub. in eq.

1st Assume E1/E2 Get E2 Get F2 Get ∆
Fig. (4.4) Sub. in eq.
2nd Assume E1/E2 Get E2 Get F2 Get ∆
Fig. (4.4) Sub. in eq.
3rd Assume E1/E2 Get E2 Get F2 Get ∆

Till the value of ∆ = 0.1`` became between

the obtained values from the trials

Draw a curve between E2 & ∆

Then, get E2 at ∆ = 0.1``
40
 𝟏𝟐𝟎 ∗𝟓.𝟖𝟕𝟐
E1 = 300,000 psi ∆ = 1.5*( 𝑬𝟐
) * F2 h/a = 3.406
Fig. (4.4) Sub. in eq.
1st Assume E1/E2 = 1000 E2 = 300 F2 = 0.034 ∆ = 0.12``
Fig. (4.4) Sub. in eq. ∆ = 0.076``
2nd Assume E1/E2 = 500 E2 = 600 F2 = 0.043
Fig. (4.4) F = 0.061 Sub. in eq. ∆ = 0.043``
3rd Assume E1/E2 = 200 E2 = 1500 2

0.061
0.043
0.034

h/a = 3.406 41
 400

At ∆ = 0.1`` E2 = 400 psi

42
 Two Methods to get stresses and deflection

Boussinesq One Layer Theory Burmister Two-Layer Theory

1) Layers One Layer 1) Layers Two Layer
2) Loads Any Configuration 2) Loads Single Load
3) Positions Any Position 3) Positions 2 positions

Ps (𝒍𝒃𝒔.) a=
𝑷𝒔
(𝒊𝒏. )
Ps (𝒍𝒃𝒔.)
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕
𝑷𝒔
a= 𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕
(𝒊𝒏. )
a
a Pt (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
Pt (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
∆ E1 (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
h Reinforcing Layer
E1 (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
z Modulus of deformation

E2 (𝒑𝒔𝒊)
r Subgrade

Get z/a & r/a Get h/a & E1/E2

% 
Fig. (4.1) Get % =(
𝟏𝟎𝟎
)*Pt Fig. (4.3) Get /Pt =(
Pt
)*Pt

Fig. (4.2) Get F1 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂

∆=( ) * F1 Fig. (4.4) Get F2 ∆ = 1.5*( ) * F2 43
𝑬𝟏 𝑬𝟐
 Two Concepts

Layer Equivalency Concept Load Equivalency Concept

1st ) Layer Equivalency Concept:

Required material for this layer Available material

h = 20" E = 300,000 psi

h` E` = 200,000 psi

𝟑 𝟑
h` = h *
𝟑 𝑬
h` = 20 * = 22.9" h` ??!
𝑬` 𝟐
44
 Layer Equivalency Concept
If using Burmister If using Burmister
Or Or
Available Surface material only Available Base material only

Base
Surface Surface
h1 = 6 " E2 = 35,000 psi h1`= ??!
E1 = 200,000 psi h1 = 6" E1 = 200,000 psi

Base Surface Base

E2 = 35,000 psi h2 = 16" E1 = 200,000 psi h2` = ??! h2 = 16"
E2 = 35,000 psi

Subgrade
E3 = 4,000 psi h3 = ∞
Subgrade Subgrade
E3 = 4,000 psi h3 = ∞ E3 = 4,000 psi h3 = ∞

𝟑 𝟑𝟓 𝟑 𝟐𝟎𝟎
h2` = 16 * = 8.95" h1` = 6 * = 10.73"
𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝟑𝟓

45
 Layer Equivalency Concept

If using Boussinesq

Subgrade Subgrade

E3 = 4,000 psi h1`= ??!

Surface
E1 = 200,000 psi h1 = 6" E3 = 4,000 psi h`= ??!
Subgrade

Base
E3 = 4,000 psi h2` = ??!
E2 = 35,000 psi h2 = 16"

Subgrade Subgrade Subgrade

E3 = 4,000 psi h3 = ∞ E3 = 4,000 psi h3 = ∞ E3 = 4,000 psi h3 = ∞

𝟑 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝟑 𝟑𝟓
h1` = 6 * 𝟒
= 22.1" h2` = 16 * 𝟒
= 32.97" h` = h1` + h2`
46
4. Figure 2 shows a three-layer pavement system. Calculate the total surface deflection &
the vertical stress under the center of the wheel at the top of the subgrade layer in the
following cases:
a. A single-wheel load of 12,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 80 psi.
b. A set of dual-tandem spaced 20"×50" carrying 15,000 lbs. per wheel and tire
pressure of 120 psi.

∆
Surface Layer
5``
E1 = 300,000 psi h1 = 5``

Base Layer
10``
E2 = 30,000 psi h2 = 10``


Subgrade
E3 = 5,000 psi h3 = ∞

Figure (2)

47
a. A single-wheel load of 12,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 80 psi

Ps = 12,000 lbs Ps = 12,000 lbs

Pt = 80 psi Pt = 80 psi

∆ ∆
Surface Layer Surface Layer
E1 = 300,000 psi h1 = 5`` E1 = 300,000 psi h1 = 5``

Surface Layer
Base Layer E1 = 300,000 psi h2`= ??!
E2 = 30,000 psi h2 = 10``

 Subgrade
Subgrade E3 = 5,000 psi h3 = ∞
E3 = 5,000 psi h3 = ∞

𝟑 𝟑𝟎 Thickness of the surface layer

h2` = 10 * = 4.64"
𝟑𝟎𝟎 h1 + h2` = 5 + 4.64 = 9.64"

48
a. A single-wheel load of 12,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 80 psi
Ps = 12,000 lbs

Pt = 80 psi

Surface Layer
9.64`` E1 = 300,000 psi h = 9.64``


Subgrade
E3 = 5,000 psi

Single Load, Two layer Burmister Two-Layer Theory

As Prob. (2)

49
b. A set of dual-tandem spaced 20" x 50" carrying 15,000 lbs. per
wheel and tire pressure of 110 psi.
Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs

Pt = 120 psi Pt = 120 psi

∆ ∆
Surface Layer
E1 = 300,000 psi h1 = 5`` Subgrade
E3 = 5,000 psi h1` = ??!
Base Layer
E2 = 30,000 psi h2 = 10``

Subgrade
Subgrade
E3 = 5,000 psi h2` = ??!
E3 = 5,000 psi h3 = ∞


r3 = d2 = 50``
Subgrade
E3 = 5,000 psi h3 = ∞
r2 = d1 = 20``

r1 = 0
𝟑 𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝟑 𝟑𝟎
h1` = 5 * = 19.57" h2` = 10 * = 18.17"
𝟓 𝟓
50
b. A set of dual-tandem spaced 20" x 50" carrying 15,000 lbs. per
wheel and tire pressure of 110 psi.
Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs
d1 = 20``

Pt = 120 psi
Pt = 120 psi

Subgrade E = 5,000 psi

∆
Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs
d1 = 50`` Subgrade
E3 = 5,000 psi
Pt = 120 psi
37.74`` h` = 37.74"
Subgrade E = 5,000 psi

r3 = d2 = 50``

r2 = d1 = 20``

Subgrade
h3 = ∞
r1 = 0
E3 = 5,000 psi

h` = h1` + h2`
As Prob. (1-e) 51
a. A single-wheel load of 12,000 lbs. and tire pressure of 80 psi

Ps = 12,000 lbs Ps = 12,000 lbs

Pt = 80 psi Pt = 80 psi

∆ ∆
Surface Layer Surface Layer
E1 = 300,000 psi h1 = 5`` E1 = 300,000 psi h1 = 5``

Surface Layer
Base Layer E1 = 300,000 psi h2`= ??!
E2 = 30,000 psi h2 = 10``

 Subgrade
Subgrade E3 = 5,000 psi h3 = ∞
E3 = 5,000 psi h3 = ∞

𝟑 𝟑𝟎 Thickness of the surface layer

h2` = 10 * = 4.64"
𝟑𝟎𝟎 h1 + h2` = 5 + 4.64 = 9.64"

52
 Two Concepts

Layer Equivalency Concept Load Equivalency Concept

2nd ) Load Equivalency Concept:

Ps (lbs) Ps (lbs)
Peq (lbs)
r
Pt (psi) Equivalent Pt (psi)
Single
∆0 0 Load
z Subgrade Peq Subgrade
E1 E1
∆z z
Equivalent Single Load to cause the same stress (0) at depth (z = 0)
Equivalent Single Load to cause the same deflection (∆0) at depth (z = 0)
Equivalent Single Load to cause the same stress (z) at depth (z = z)
Equivalent Single Load to cause the same deflection (∆z) at depth (z = z)
Assumption .. ∆Z or Z is the maximum at depth z under the center of the wheel 53
 Load Equivalency Concept

Equal Stress Criteria Equal Deflection Criteria

At Depth Z At Depth Z

a ) Equal Stress Criteria At Depth Z:

Ps (lbs) Ps (lbs) Peq (lbs)
r
Pt (psi) Equivalent Pt (psi)
Single
Load
Peq Subgrade
z Subgrade
z E1
E1

max max

54
 a ) Equal Stress Criteria At Depth Z:
Ps (lbs) Ps (lbs) Peq (lbs)

a=
𝑷𝒔
(𝒊𝒏. ) r aeq =
𝑷𝒆𝒒
(𝒊𝒏. )
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕 𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕
Pt (psi) Pt (psi)

Subgrade
z Subgrade z E1
E1

max max
( σ %𝒊 )

from Fig. (4.1)

Get %1, %2, …. ( σ %𝒊 ) z/aeq
r/a = 0
σ %𝒊
max = ( )*Pt
𝟏𝟎𝟎

z/aeq Get aeq Get Peq = 𝝅 ∗ (𝒂𝒆𝒒)𝟐 ∗ 𝑷𝒕 55

 Load Equivalency Concept

Equal Stress Criteria Equal Deflection Criteria

At Depth Z At Depth Z

b ) Equal Deflection Criteria At Depth Z:

Ps (lbs) Ps (lbs) Peq (lbs)
r
Pt (psi) Equivalent Pt (psi)
Single
Load
Peq Subgrade
z Subgrade
z E1
E1

∆max ∆max

56
 b ) Equal Deflection Criteria At Depth Z:
Ps (lbs) Ps (lbs) Peq (lbs)

a=
𝑷𝒔
(𝒊𝒏. ) r aeq =
𝑷𝒆𝒒
(𝒊𝒏. )
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕 𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕
Pt (psi) Pt (psi)

Subgrade
z Subgrade z E1
E1

∆max ∆max

from Fig. (4.2) 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂𝒆𝒒

∆max = ( ) * ( Feq )1
Get F11, F12, …. ( σ 𝑭𝟏𝒊 ) 𝑬𝟏

Get ∆max
Trial & error
𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
∆max = ( )*(σ 𝑭𝟏𝒊 )
𝑬𝟏
57
 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂𝒆𝒒
∆=( ) * ( Feq )1 Trial & error
𝑬𝟏

𝑷𝒆𝒒
z/aeq r/aeq = 0
aeq = 𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕

Fig. (4.2) Sub. in eq.

1st Assume Peq = Ps Get aeq Get Feq1 Get ∆
Fig. (4.2) Sub. in eq.
2nd Assume Peq = 1.5Ps Get aeq Get Feq1 Get ∆
Fig. (4.2) Sub. in eq.
3rd Assume Peq = 2Ps Get aeq Get Feq1 Get ∆

The value of ∆max must be between the

obtained values from the trials

Draw a curve between Peq & ∆

Then, get Peq at ∆max
58
5. A dual wheel having a load per tire of 10,000 pounds, 80 psi tire pressure, and a 20"
center to center wheel spacing. This dual wheel is placed on a subgrade characterized by
E= 4,000 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.

Ps = 10,000 lbs Ps = 10,000 lbs Peq (lbs) Peq (lbs)

20``
Pt (psi) Pt (psi)
Pt =80 psi

Subgrade Subgrade
15" Subgrade 15" E1 15" E1
E1 = 4000 psi
max ∆max ∆max max

a b
59
a) Determine the equivalent single wheel load at z=15" using the equal deflection criteria.

Ps=10,000 lbs. Pt= 80 psi Ps = 10,000 lbs Ps = 10,000 lbs

𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 20``
a= 𝟖𝟎 ∗ 𝝅
= 6.308" z/a = 15/6.308 = 2.378
Pt =80 psi
r1/a = 0/6.308 = 0.0 r2/a = 20/6.308 = 3.17
from Fig. (4.2)
15" Subgrade
z/a = 2.378 r1/a = 0.0 Get F11 E1 = 4000 psi

z/a = 2.378 r2/a = 3.17 Get F12 ∆max

0.265 0.6
r2 = d1 = 20``

r1 = 0

𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
∆=( ) * ( F11 + F12 )
𝑬𝟏
𝟖𝟎 ∗𝟔.𝟑𝟎𝟖
∆=( ) * ( 0.6 + 0.265 )
𝟒𝟎𝟎𝟎

∆max = 0.1091" 60
 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂𝒆𝒒 Peq (lbs)
∆=( ) * ( Feq )1 Trial & error
𝑬𝟏
Pt (psi)
1st Assume Peq = Ps = 10,000 lbs Get aeq

Subgrade
𝑷𝒆𝒒 𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 15" E1 = 4000 psi
aeq = = = 6.308"
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕 𝝅 ∗ 𝟖𝟎

∆max = 0.1091"
z/aeq = 15/6.308 = 2.378 r/aeq = 0
0.6
Fig. (4.2)
Get Feq1

Sub. in eq.
Get ∆

𝟖𝟎∗𝟔.𝟑𝟎𝟖
∆=( ) * 0.6
𝟒𝟎𝟎𝟎

∆ = 0.0757 At Peq = 10,000 lbs

61
 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂𝒆𝒒 Peq (lbs)
∆=( ) * ( Feq )1 Trial & error
𝑬𝟏
Pt (psi)
2nd Assume Peq = 1.5Ps = 15,000 lbs Get aeq

Subgrade
𝑷𝒆𝒒 𝟏𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎 15" E1 = 4000 psi
aeq = = = 7.725"
𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕 𝝅 ∗ 𝟖𝟎

∆max = 0.1091"
z/aeq = 15/7.725 = 1.942 r/aeq = 0
0.71
Fig. (4.2)
Get Feq1

Sub. in eq.
Get ∆

𝟖𝟎∗𝟕.𝟕𝟐𝟓
∆=( ) * 0.71
𝟒𝟎𝟎𝟎

∆ = 0.1097 At Peq = 15,000 lbs

62
 𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂𝒆𝒒 Peq (lbs)
∆=( ) * ( Feq )1 Trial & error
𝑬𝟏
Pt (psi)
3rd Assume Peq = 2Ps = 20,000 lbs

Subgrade
15" E1 = 4000 psi

∆max = 0.1091"
0.1091

14800

At ∆max = 0.1091" Peq = 14,800 lbs

63
b) Determine the equivalent single wheel load at z=15" using the equal stress criteria.
Ps=10,000 lbs. Pt= 80 psi Ps = 10,000 lbs Ps = 10,000 lbs
𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 20``
a= 𝟖𝟎 ∗ 𝝅
= 6.308" z/a = 15/6.308 = 2.378
Pt =80 psi
r1/a = 0/6.308 = 0.0 r2/a = 20/6.308 = 3.17

from Fig. (4.1)

15" Subgrade
z/a = 2.378 r1/a = 0.0 Get %1 E1 = 4000 psi

z/a = 2.378 r2/a = 3.17 Get %2 max

2.4% 24%
r2 = d1 = 20``

r1 = 0

%1 + %2 = 24 + 2.4 = 26.4 %

𝟐𝟒 + 𝟐.𝟒
=( ) * 80
𝟏𝟎𝟎

64
 26.6 % Peq (lbs)

Pt (psi)

2.1
r/a = 0 Subgrade
15" E1

max = 26.6% Pt

Peq = 𝝅 ∗ (𝒂𝒆𝒒)𝟐 ∗ 𝑷𝒕
Peq = 𝝅 ∗ (𝟕. 𝟏𝟒𝟑)𝟐 ∗ 𝟖𝟎
z/aeq = 2.1 Get aeq Get Peq Peq = 𝟏𝟐𝟖𝟐𝟑 𝒍𝒃𝒔

aeq = 15/2.1 = 7.143

At max = 26.6% Pt Peq = 12,823 lbs 65

6. A plate bearing test using a 30" diameter rigid plate was made on a subgrade as well as
on an 8" of gravel base course. The unit load required to cause settlement of 0.1" was 30
and 80 psi, respectively. Determine the required thickness of base course to sustain a
dual load of 30,000 lbs. on both tires with dual spacing equals 25" and 125 psi tire
pressure causing a deflection of 0.1" on top of subgrade.

Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs

d1 = 25``

Pt = 125 psi

h ??! Gravel Base Coarse

15" 15" ∆ = 0.1"

30 psi 80 psi Subgrade

∆ = 0.1" ∆ = 0.1"
Subgrade 8" Gravel Base
Coarse

Subgrade
66
1st ) Plate Bearing Test (To get E1 & E2):
a) Subgrade
15"
Using Bumister 30 psi
𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 ∆ = 0.1"
Rigid Pavement Or Plate bearing ∆ = 1.18*( ) * F2
𝑬𝟐 Subgrade

𝟑𝟎 ∗𝟏𝟓
0.1 = 1.18*( ) * F2
𝑬𝟐
To get F2
F2 = 1
h/a = 0
from Fig. (4.4)
E1/E2 = 1

𝟑𝟎 ∗𝟏𝟓
0.1 = 1.18*( )*1
𝑬𝟐

E2 = 5310 psi
0
67
1st ) Plate Bearing Test (To get E1 & E2):
15"
b) Gravel Base Coarse 80 psi
Using Bumister
Gravel Base
∆ = 0.1"
𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂
Plate bearing ∆ = 1.18*( ) * F2 8" Coarse
𝑬𝟐
𝟖𝟎 ∗𝟏𝟓
0.1 = 1.18*( ) * F2 F2 = 0.375
𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟎 Subgrade
E2 = 5310 psi
from Fig. (4.4)

0.375
h/a = 8/15 F2 = 0.375
= 0.533

E1 /E2 = 100

E1 = 531,000 psi
0.533
68
1st ) Dual System
Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs
Ps = 15,000 lbs Ps = 15,000 lbs d1 = 25``
d1 = 25``
Pt = 125 psi
Pt = 125 psi
Using
Boussinesq
Gravel Base Coarse Subgrade
h ??! E1 = 531,000 psi h` ??! E2 = 531,0 psi

∆ = 0.1"
Subgrade
E2 = 531,0 psi ∆ = 0.1" Subgrade
E2 = 531,0 psi
𝑷𝒕 ∗𝒂 𝑷𝒔 𝟏𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎
∆=( ) * (F11+ F12) a= 𝝅 ∗ 𝑷𝒕
= 𝝅 ∗𝟏𝟐𝟓
= 6.18" 𝟑 𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝑬𝟏
h` = h *
𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟎
𝟏𝟐𝟓 ∗𝟔.𝟏𝟖
0.1 = ( ) * ( F11+ F12 )
𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟎
z/a = h`/a
( F11+ F12 ) = 0.687 using Fig. (4.2) r1/a = 0
r2/a = 25/6.18 = 4.045
69
 Get z/a at ( F11+ F12 ) = 0.687

r1/a = 0 r2/a = 4.045

Fig. (4.2) Fig. (4.2)

1st Assume z/a = 1 Get F11 Get F12 Get F11 + F12
Fig. (4.2) Fig. (4.2)
2nd Assume z/a = 2 Get F11 Get F12 Get F11 + F12
Fig. (4.2) Fig. (4.2)
3rd Assume z/a = 3 Get F11 Get F12 Get F11 + F12
Fig. (4.2) Fig. (4.2)
4th Assume z/a = 4 Get F11 Get F12 Get F11 + F12

Till the value of ( F11 + F12 ) became between

the obtained values from the trials

Draw a curve between z/a & ( F11 + F12 )

Then, get z/a at ( F11 + F12 ) = 0.687 70
 0.687

3.05

z/a = 3.05 a = 6.18" z = 3.05*6.18 = 18.849" = h`

𝟑 𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟑 𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎
h` = h *
𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟎
18.849 = h *
𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟎
h = 4.06"
71
72