Module-2

ESWL Problems:
1) Compute the ESWL of a dual wheel assembly carrying 20.5kN each for pavement thickness of
150mm, 200mm and 250mm. center to center tyre spacing is 270mm, clear distance between the walls
of dual tyre 110mm.
Given data
Clear distance, d = 110mm, Center to center tyre spacing, S = 270mm and Wheel load, P = 20.5kN
For Pavement thickness = 150mm, 200mm and 250mm
d 𝑑 110
i) Co-ordinates of A are ( 2 , 𝑃), = = 55mm and P = 20.5kN
2 2
A (55, 20.5) = A [(log55), (log20.5)] = A (1.75, 1.31)

ii) Co-ordinates of B are (2S, 2P), 2S= 2*270 = 540mm and 2P= 2*20.5 = 41kN
B (540, 41) = B [(log540), (log41)] = B (2.73, 1.61)
For Pavement thickness = log (150) = 2.17mm
log (200) = 2.30mm
log (250) = 2.39mm

2) Find ESWL for dual wheel load assembly carrying 21kN each. For pavement thickness of 200mm
c/c spacing of tyres is 280mm. tyre pressure is 0.85N/mm².
Given data,
P = 21kN, tyre pressure, p = 0.85N/mm², S = 280mm, Thickness of pavement = 200mm and ESWL=?
WKT, P = p x Π x a²
𝑃 21000
a = √𝑝 𝑥 𝜋 = √0.85 𝑥 𝜋 = 88.68mm

Clear distance between walls of tyres, d = S – 2a = 280 – 2x88.68 = 102.64mm

Co-ordinates of A & B are,

𝑑 102.64
Co-ordinates of A are, A ( 2 , 𝑃) = A ( , 21) = A (log51.32, log21) = A (1.71, 1.32)
2

Co-ordinates of B are, B (2S, 2P) = B (2x280, 2x21) = B(log560, log42) = B (2.74, 4.62)

3) Determine the ESWL of the dual tandam wheel load assembly at a depth of 800mm by graphical
method for the following data.
i. load on each wheel, P = 200kN
ii. Contact pressure, p = 1.0N/mm²
iii. C/C spacing of dual wheel, d = 600mm 1500mm S=?
iv. C/C spacing of tandam axial = 1500mm

d=600mm
C/C diagonal distance between tandam wheel, S = √(1500)2 + (600)2 = 1615.55mm
WKT,
Wheel load, P = tyre pressure (p) x loaded area (Π x a²)
 200∗10³
a=√ = 252.31mm
1∗ Π
Clear distance between walls of tyres, d = 600 – (2x252.31) = 95.38mm
Co-ordinates of A & B are,
𝑑 95.38
Co-ordinates of A = ( 2 , 𝑃) = A ( , 200kN) = A (log47.69, log200) = A (1.67, 2.30)
2
Co-ordinates of B = (2S, 4P) = B [(2*1615.55), (4*200)] = B (log3231.1, log800) = B (3.50, 2.90)
log (800) = 2.90mm

4) Determine ESWL under a dual tandem wheel assembly using simplified graphical method at a
depth of 250mm and 900mm and load on wheel 70kN, tyre pressure 0.6Mpa, C/C distance between
dual wheels = 600mm and C/C distance between tandem axial = 1400mm.

Given data,
P = 70kN and C/C distance between tandem axial = 1400mm
0.6∗106 𝑁
p = 0.6Mpa = 10³∗10³𝑚𝑚² = 0.6N/mm² 1400mm S=?
d = 600mm

a d=600mm
C/C diagonal distance between tandam wheel, S = √(1400)2 + (600)2
S = 1523.15mm

Wheel load, P = tyre pressure (p) x loaded area (Π x a²)

70∗10³
a = √ 0.6∗ Π = 192.70mm

Clear distance between walls of tyres, d = 600 – (2x192.70) = 214.58mm

Co-ordinates of A & B are,

𝑑 214.58
Co-ordinates of A = ( 2 , 𝑃) = A ( , 70kN) = A [(log107.29), (log70)] = A (2.31, 1.84)
2
Co-ordinates of B = (2S, 4P) = B [(2*1523.15), (4*70)] = B [(log3046.3), (log280) = B (3.48, 2.44)

5) A dual wheel has to load of 70kN on each wheel and tyre pressure of 0.7N/mm². if the c/c spacing
between the dual wheels is 400mm, determine the ESWL at a depth of 600mm & 700mm by graphical
method.
Dual wheel load, P = 70kN
p = 0.7N/mm²
d = 400mm
𝑑 400
log 2 = log = 2.30 and log 𝑃 = log 70000 = 4.84
2
S = d +2a
P 70000
p = A = 0.7 =
A
A =10000mm²
d = 356.82mm
d
a= = 178.41mm
2
S = 400 + 178.41 = 578.41mm
log(2𝑆) = log(2 ∗ 578.41) = 3.06
log(2𝑃) = log(2 ∗ 70000) = 5.15
Z = 600mm
log(600) = 2.77, log(𝑃) = log(70000) = 5.05
Z = 700mm
log(700) = 2.84
Shift log5.05 = 125892.54N
ESWL at 600mm depth 11220.10N
ESWL at 700mm depth 12589.10N

6) A dual wheel load as 60kN as each load with a contact pressure of 0.7N/mm². If the clear gap
between the two wheel loads is 30cm. using stress chart, determine the vertical stress value at a depth
of 70cm due to dual wheel loads at stress point. 60kN 60kN
i. Vertically below the center of the dual wheel load assembly. d= 30cm
ii. Vertically below the center of one of the two wheel.
iii. Midpoint between first and second. 70cm a 15cm a

P = 60kN 2 3 1
p = 0.7N/mm²

Wheel load, P = tyre pressure (p) x loaded area (Π x a²)

60∗10³
a=√ = 165.17mm
0.7∗ Π

Case i). Total vertical stress vertically below the center of the dual wheel load (stress point 1)
Stress due to left wheel load

From fig, r = 165.17 + 150 = 315.17mm

a = 165.17mm
r 𝑍
= 1.90 and Z = 700mm, a = 165.17mm = 4.23
a 𝑎
We have, vertical stress in percent = 5%
σz1
But WKT, 100 = 5%
p
5 x 0.7
σz1 =
100
σz1 = 0.035N/mm²
Similarly due to Right wheel: - Since, stress point is equivedistance from left wheel and right wheel,
𝛔𝐳 = σz1 + σz2 = 0.035 + 0.035 = 0.07N/mm²

Case ii) vertically below the center of one of the two wheel Stress due to left wheel
𝑍 r
Here, 𝑎 = 4.23, = 0, from stress chart vertical stress in = 7.5%
a
σz1
But WKT, 100 = 7.5%
p
7.5 x 0.7
σz1 =
100
σz1 = 0.0525N/mm²
 𝑍
Stress due to right wheel, 𝑎 = 4.23

r = 165.17 + 150 + 150 + 165.17 = 630.34mm

r
= 3.81
a

Vertical stress = 1.8%

1.8 x 0.7
σz1 = = 0.0126N/mm²
100

𝛔𝐳 = σz1 + σz2 = 0.065N/mm²

Case iii) Total stress at midpoint between 1 and 2 due to left wheel
r 157.58 𝑍
= = 0.95 and 𝑎 = 4.23
a 165.17
σz1
But WKT, 100 = 7%
p
σz1= 0.049N/mm²
Due to right wheel. r = 165.17 + 150 + 75 = 390.17mm and a = 165.17mm
r 𝑍
= 2.36 and 𝑎 = 4.23
a
From graph vertical stress in percentage = 4.2%
4.2 x 0.7
σz2 = = 0.0294N/mm²
100

𝛔𝐳 = σz1 + σz2 = 0.049 + 0.0294 = 0.078N/mm²

7) A dual wheel load assembly with 70kN load on each wheel and contact pressure of 0.7kN/mm² is
applied on a homogeneous mass with modulus of elasticity 12N/mm². if the c/c distance between the
two wheel is 600mm, determine the deflection value at a depth of 0.5m at four points, at the center of
dual wheels and at radial distance of 300, 600 and 900mm from this center along the line joining
centers of the two wheel loads. Use deflection factor chart. 70kN 70kN
P = 70x10³ N
p = 0.7N/mm²
70∗10³
a=√ = 178.41mm 0.5m=500mm
0.7∗ Π

600mm(r = 0)
r = 300mm, r = 600mm and r = 900mm
q∗a
Δ= xF
E
r
i) =0 0.7∗178.41
a F = 0.48 Δ=w = ∗ 0.48 = 4.88mm
12
z 500
= = 2.8
a 178.41
r 300
ii) = = 1.68 0.7∗178.41
a 178.41 F = 0.4 w= ∗ 0.4 = 4.15mm
12
z 500
= = 2.8
a 178.41

r 600
iii) = = 3.37 0.7∗178.41
a 178.41 F = 0.25 w= ∗ 0.25 = 2.59mm
12
z 500
= = 2.8
a 178.41

r 900
iii) = = 5.05
a 178.41
F= 0.16 0.7∗178.41
w= ∗ 0.16 = 1.66mm
z 500 12
= = 2.8
a 178.41

Equivalent wheel load Problems.

1). Calculate the design repetitions for 10 years period equivalent to 22.68kN, if the mixed traffic in
four lanes. Road in both directions is 1860 vehicles/day the details of distribution of different wheel
load of commercial vehicles are given below.
Wheel load, kN 22.68 27.22 31.75 36.24 40.82 45.36 49.96
% in total traffic vol. 25 12 9 6 4 2 1

Equivalent load factor = ELF

Wheel Avg. No. of vehicles No. of vehicles in a Design for 10 ELF Design
load, daily per day for year. years. 6 repetition
kN traffic in each wheel 4 = (col3x365days) 5 = (col4x10year) equivalent to
1 both load 22.68kN
direction 3 7 = (col5*col6)
2
22.68 1860 25 465*365=169725 169725*10 1 1697250*1
x1860=465
100
=1697250 =1697250
27.22 1860 223.20 81468 814680 2 1629360
31.75 1860 167.40 61101 611010 4 2444040
36.29 1860 111.60 40734 407340 8 3258720
40.82 1860 74.40 27156 271560 16 4344960
45.36 1860 37.20 13578 135780 32 4344960
49.96 1860 18.60 6789 67890 64 4344970
Total 22064250

Total estimated repetition (both the direction) = 22064250

22064250
Design repetition equivalent to 22.68kN wheel load/lane = = 5516062.5
4

2). Calculate the design repetition for 20 year period for various wheel load equivalent to 22.68kN
wheel load using the following traffic survey data on two lane road.
Wheel load, kN 22.68 27.22 31.75 36.24 40.82 45.36
Vol. of each wheel load per day. 28 33 25 30 13 13

Wheel Vol. of each Days in a No. of ELF Design repetition equivalent to

load, kN wheel load per year years. 5 22.68kN
1 day 3 4 6 = (col2* col3* col4*col5)
2

22.68 28 365 20 1 204400

27.22 33 365 20 2 481800
31.75 25 365 20 4 730000
36.29 30 365 20 8 1752000
40.82 13 365 20 16 1518400
45.36 13 365 20 32 3036800
Total 7723400
7723400
Design repetition equivalent to 22.68kN wheel load/lane = = 3861700
2

3) Calculate the design repetition for 20 year period for various wheel load equivalent to 22.68kN
wheel load using the following traffic survey data on four lane road.

Wheel load, kN 22.68 27.22 31.75 36.24 40.82 45.36

Vol. of each wheel load per day. 28 33 25 30 13 12

Hint: 18722450
4). Calculate the design repetition for 20 year period for various wheel load equivalent to 22.68kN
wheel load using the following traffic survey data on a four lane road. (Dec/Jan2019-20)
Wheel load, kN 22.68 27.22 31.75 40.82 45.36 49.90 54.43
Vol. of each wheel load per day. 30 25 20 15 10 5 1

McLeod Method Problems

Chart No.2

1) Design a highway pavement for a wheel load of 4100kg with a tyre pressure of 5kg/cm² by McLeod
method. The plate bearing test carried out on subgrade soil use 30cm dia plate yielded by a pressure of
2.5kg/cm², after 10 repetition of load at 0.5cm deflection.
Given data, P = 4100kg, p = 5kg/cm², d = 30cm, design of deflection, Δ = 0.5cm and
Yielded pressure = 2.5kg/cm²
WKT, Design thickness, T = K log10 (P/S)
K = base course from chart 1, bearing plate dia. 30cm
We have, K = 87.5
Subgrade support, S = X * Yield stress * Contact of wheel load distribution (𝜋𝑎²).
𝑷 𝟒𝟏𝟎𝟎
a = √𝜫∗𝒑 = √ 𝜫∗𝟓 = 16.15cm
𝐏 𝟐 𝟐
Perimeter area ratio, = = = 0.123
𝐚 𝐚 𝟏𝟔.𝟏𝟓
From chart 2, for perimeter area = 0.123 and design deflection = 0.5cm
𝒙
We have, X = 𝒚 = 0.9
S = X * Yield stress * Contact of wheel load distribution (𝝅𝒂²)
= 0.9 * 2.5 * Π * (16.15)²
S = 1843.64 kg

T = K log10 (P/S)
𝟒𝟏𝟎𝟎
T = 87.5* log10 (𝟏𝟖𝟒𝟑.𝟔𝟒)

T = 30.37cm

Chart No.1

2) A repetative plate load test carried out on a subgrade soil using 75cm dia plate, sustained a load of
9000kgs after 10 load repetitions. Corresponding the deflection of 0.5cm. Design the thickness of
flexible pavement for an airport by McLeod method for a design wheel load of 15000kgs with a
contact pressure 10kg/cm², if the design deflection is 1.25cm. Use charts.
Given data: Plate dia, d = 75cm, sustained load P = 9000kg, Δ = 0.5cm, design load, P = 15000kg
P 9000
Yield stress = = π∗752
= 2.04kg/cm²
A
4
𝐏
WKT, Design thickness, T = K log10 [ ]
𝐒
K = base course from chart 1, bearing plate dia. is75cm
K = 165
Subgrade support, S = X * Yield stress * Contact of wheel load distribution (𝜋𝑎²)
𝑷 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎
a = √𝜫∗𝒑 = √ 𝜫∗𝟏𝟎 = 21.85cm
𝐏 𝟐 𝟐
Perimeter area ratio, = = = 0.091
𝐚 𝐚 𝟐𝟏.𝟖𝟓
From chart 2, for perimeter area = 0.091 and design deflection = 1.25cm
𝐱
We have, X = = 1.2
𝐲
S = 1.2 * 2.04 * Π * (21.85)² = 3671.67kg
𝐏 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎
T = K log10 [ ] = 165 x log10 [ ] = 100.85cm
𝐒 𝟑𝟔𝟕𝟏.𝟔𝟕

T = 101cm

3) A plate bearing test using 30cm dia is carried out as a subgrade which yielded a pressure of 3kg/cm²
after 10 repetitions at 0.5cm deflection. Design a highway pavement for a wheel load 5100kg with a
tyre pressure of 7kg/cm².
Given data, p = 7kg/cm², P = 5100kg, yield pressure = 3kg/cm² and Δ = 0.5cm
𝐏
Design thickness, T = K log10 [𝐒 ]
K = base course from chart 1, bearing plate dia is 30cm
K = 87.5
Subgrade support, S = X * Yield stress * Contact of wheel load distribution (𝜋𝑎²)
𝑷 𝟓𝟏𝟎𝟎
a = √𝜫∗𝒑 = √ 𝜫∗𝟕 = 15.22cm
𝐏 𝟐 𝟐
Perimeter area ratio, = = = 0.13
𝐚 𝐚 𝟏𝟓.𝟐𝟐
From chart 2, for perimeter area = 0.13 and design deflection = 0.5cm
𝐱
We have, X = = 1.0
𝐲
S = 1.0 * 3 * Π * (15.22)² = 2183.23kg
𝐏 𝟓𝟏𝟎𝟎
T = K log10 [ ] = 87.5 x log10 [ ] = 32.24cm
𝐒 𝟐𝟏𝟖𝟑.𝟐𝟑

T = 32cm

4) Design a highway pavement for wheel load 51kN with a tyre pressure of 0.5N/mm² by McLeod
method. The plate bearing test was conducted on subgrade soil using 300mm dia plate yielded a
pressure of 0.25N/mm², after 10 repetition of load at 5mm deflection.
Given data, P = 51kN = 5100kg
p = 0.5N/mm² = 5kg/cm², yielded pressure = 0.25N/mm² = 2.5kg/cm²
Δ = 5mm = 0.5cm
𝐏
Design thickness, T = K log10 [𝐒 ]
K = base course from chart 1, bearing plate dia is 30cm
K = 87.5
Subgrade support, S = X * Yield stress * Contact of wheel load distribution (𝜋𝑎²)
𝑷 𝟓𝟏𝟎𝟎
a=√ =√ = 18cm
𝜫∗𝒑 𝜫∗𝟓
𝐏 𝟐 𝟐
Perimeter area ratio, = = = 0.111
𝐚 𝐚 𝟏𝟖
From chart 2, for perimeter area = 0.111 and design deflection = 0.5cm
𝐱
We have, X = = 0.87
𝐲
S = 0.87 * 0.25 * Π * (18)² = 221.38kg
𝐏 𝟓𝟏𝟎𝟎
T = K log10 [ ] = 87.5 x log10 [ ] = 119.21cm
𝐒 𝟐𝟐𝟏.𝟑𝟖

T = 119cm

Kansas method Problems

1) Design the pavement section by triaxial test method using the following data: (MQP)
i. wheel load = 4100kg
ii. Radius of contact area = 15cm
iii. Traffic co-efficient, X = 1.5
iv. Rain fall co-efficient, Y = 0.9
v. Design deflection, Δ = 0.25
vi. E value of subgrade, Es = 100kg/cm²
vii. E value of base course, Eb = 400kg/cm²
viii. E value of 7.5cm thick bituminous course, E bc = 1000kg/cm²

WKT,
3𝑃𝑋𝑌 2 Es 1/3
Design thickness of base course, T = √( ) − 𝑎² * [ ]
2𝜋𝐸𝑠𝛥 Eb

3 𝑥 4100 𝑥 1.5 𝑥 0.9 2 100 1/3

=√( ) − 15² * [ ]
2 𝑥 𝜋 𝑥 100 𝑥 0.25 400
T = 65.92cm
To replace the thickness of base course (t b) to be removed to accommodate 7.5cm (t bc) of bituminous
concrete the following relation should be used.
t b [Eb ]⅓ = t bc [Ebc ]⅓

t b [400]⅓ = 7.5 [1000]⅓

𝐭 𝐛 = 10.18cm
Hence, required thickness of base course, T’ = T - t b = 65.92 – 10.18
T’ = 55.74cm

7.5cm Bituminous course Ebc = 1000kg/cm²

65.92cm
55.74cm Base Course, Eb = 400kg/cm²

Subgrade, Es = 100kg/cm²

2) Design the pavement section by triaxial test method using the following data
i. wheel load = 41kN
ii. Tyre pressure = 0.75N/mm²
iii. iii.Traffic co-efficient, X = 1.5
iv. Saturation co-efficient, Y = 0.6
v. Design deflection, Δ = 2.5mm
vi. E value of subgrade, Es = 10N/mm²
vii. E value of base course, Eb = 25N/mm²
viii. E value of 60mm thick bituminous course, E bc = 100N/mm²

WKT,
3𝑃𝑋𝑌 2 Es 1/3
Design thickness of base course, T = √( ) − 𝑎² * [ ]
2𝜋𝐸𝑠𝛥 Eb
𝑷 𝟒𝟏 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟑
a = √𝜫∗𝒑 = √ 𝜫∗𝟎.𝟕𝟓 = 131.91mm

3 𝑥 41∗103 𝑥 1.5 𝑥 0.6 2 10 1/3

T =√( ) − 131.91² * [ ]
2 𝑥 𝜋 𝑥 10 𝑥 2.5 25
T = 510.07mm
To replace the thickness of base course (t b) to be removed to accommodate 60mm thick of bituminous
concrete (tbc) the following relation should be used.
t b [Eb ]⅓ = t bc [Ebc ]⅓

t b [25]⅓ = 60 [100]⅓
𝐭 𝐛 = 95.24mm
Hence, required thickness of base course, T’ = T - t b = 510 – 95.24
T’ = 414.75mm
 60 mm Bituminous course Ebc = 100N/mm²

510 mm

414.76mm Base Course, Eb = 25N/mm²

Subgrade, Es = 10N/mm²

3) Design the pavement section by triaxial test method using the following data
i. wheel load = 51kN
ii. Tyre pressure = 0.65N/mm²
i. iii.Traffic co-efficient, X = 1.5
iii. Saturation co-efficient, Y = 0.6
iv. Design deflection, Δ = 2.5mm
v. E value of subgrade, Es = 10N/mm²
vi. E value of base course, Eb = 25N/mm²
vii. E value of 60mm thick bituminous course, E bc = 100N/mm²

WKT,

3𝑃𝑋𝑌 2 Es 1/3
Design thickness of base course, T = √( ) − 𝑎² * [ ]
2𝜋𝐸𝑠𝛥 Eb
𝑷 𝟓𝟏 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟑
a=√ =√ = 158.03mm
𝜫∗𝒑 𝜫∗𝟎.𝟔𝟓

3 𝑥 51∗103 𝑥 1.5 𝑥 0.6 2 10 1/3

T =√( ) − 158.03² * [ ]
2 𝑥 𝜋 𝑥 10 𝑥 2.5 25
T = 635.32mm

To replace the thickness of base course (t b) to be removed to accommodate 60mm thick of bituminous
concrete (tbc) the following relation should be used.
t b [Eb ]⅓ = t bc [Ebc ]⅓

t b [25]⅓ = 60 [100]⅓
𝐭 𝐛 = 95.24mm
Hence, required thickness of base course, T’ = T - t b = 635.32 – 95.24
T’ = 540.08mm

60 mm Bituminous course Ebc = 100N/mm²

635.32 mm

540.08 mm Base Course, Eb = 25N/mm²

 Subgrade, Es = 10N/mm²

4) Design the pavement section by triaxial test method using the following data
i. Wheel load = 41kN
ii. Radius of contact area = 150mm
iii. iii.Traffic co-efficient, X = 1.5
iv. Rain fall co-efficient, Y = 0.8
v. Design deflection, Δ = 2.5mm
vi. E value of subgrade, Es = 10N/mm²
vii. E value of base course, Eb = 90N/mm²
viii. E value of 75mm thick bituminous course, Ebc = 100N/mm²
WKT,
3𝑃𝑋𝑌 2 Es 1/3
Design thickness of base course, T = √( ) − 𝑎² * [ ]
2𝜋𝐸𝑠𝛥 Eb

3 𝑥 41∗10 3 𝑥 1.5 𝑥 0.8 2 10 1/3

T =√( ) − 150² * [ ]
2 𝑥 𝜋 𝑥 10 𝑥 2.5 90

T = 445.94mm

To replace the thickness of base course (t b) to be removed to accommodate 75mm thick of bituminous
concrete (tbc) the following relation should be used.
t b [Eb ]⅓ = t bc [Ebc ]⅓

t b [90]⅓ = 75 [100]⅓
𝐭 𝐛 = 77.68mm

Hence, required thickness of base course, T’ = T - t b = 445.94 – 77.68

T’ = 368.25mm

75 mm Bituminous course Ebc = 100N/mm²

445.94 mm
368.25 mm
Base Course, Eb = 90N/mm²

Subgrade, Es = 10N/mm²

4) Design the pavement section by triaxial test method using the following data
i. Wheel load = 4500kg
ii. Tyre pressure = 5.7kg/cm²
iii. iii.Traffic co-efficient, X = 1.5
iv. Rain fall co-efficient, Y = 0.8
 v. Design deflection, Δ = 0.25cm
vi. E value for pavement = 1785kg/cm²
vii. E value of subgrade, Es = 107kg/cm²
viii. E value of base course, Eb = 500kg/cm²

WKT,

3𝑃𝑋𝑌 2 Es 1/3
Design thickness of base course, T = √( ) − 𝑎² * [ ]
2𝜋𝐸𝑠𝛥 Eb

𝑃 4500
a = √𝛱∗𝑝 = √𝛱∗5.7 = 15.85cm

3 𝑥 4500 𝑥 1.5 𝑥 0.8 2 107 1/3

T =√( ) − 15.85² * [ ]
2 𝑥 𝜋 𝑥 107 𝑥 0.25 500

T = 56.86cm

To replace the thickness of base course (t b) to be removed to accommodate, assume7.5cm thick

wearing surface of E (modulus of elasticity) of 1785kg/cm² some thickness to be removed from the
base course.
If tb be the required thickness to be removed from the base course, we have
t b [Eb ]⅓ = t bc [Ebc ]⅓
Here, Ebc = E of wearing surface course = 1785kg/cm² and E b = E of base course = 500kg/cm²
t b [500]⅓ = 7.5 [1785]⅓
𝐭 𝐛 = 11.46cm
Actual thickness of base course = 56.86 – 11.46 = 45.40cm

CBR Method
4.5 Lateral distribution of commercial traffic over the carriageway
4.5.1 Lateral distribution
Lateral distribution of commercial traffic on the carriageway is required for estimating the design
traffic (equivalent standard axle load applications) to be considered for the structural design of
pavement. The following lateral distribution factors may be considered for roads with different
types of the carriageway.
4.5.1.1 Single-lane roads
Traffic tends to be more channelized on single-lane roads than on two-lane roads and to allow for
this concentration of wheel load repetitions, the design should be based on the total number (sum)
of commercial vehicles in both directions.
4.5.1.2 Intermediate lane roads of width 5.50 m
The design traffic should be based on 75 per cent of the two-way commercial traffic
4.5.1.3 Two-lane two-way roads
The design should be based on 50 per cent of the total number of commercial vehicles in both the
directions.
4.5.1.4 Four-lane single carriageway roads
40 per cent of the total number (sum) of commercial vehicles in both directions should be
considered for design.
4.5.1.5 Dual carriageway roads
The design of dual two-lane carriageway roads should be based on 75 per cent of the number of
commercial vehicles in each direction. For dual three-lane carriageway and dual four-lane
carriageway, the distribution factors shall be 60 per cent and 45 per cent respectively.

1) The CBR value of subgrade soil is 5%, calculate total thickness of a pavement using
i. Design curve developed by California state highway department
ii. Design chart recommended by IRC
iii. Design formula developed by the US corps of engineers
Assume 4100kg wheel load or medium light traffic of 200 commercial vehicles per day for design tyre
pressure is 6 kg/cm².
i. Using the design chart of California state highway department, the pavement thickness for
4100kg wheel load and CBR = 5% from chart =38cm
ii. Using the design chart recommended by IRC for 200 commercial vehicles per day and using
curve D and for CBR value = 5% the thickness = 37.5cm.
iii. Using design formula
1.75 1 1/2
t = √𝑃 ( − )
𝐶𝐵𝑅 𝑝𝜋

P =4100kg and p = 6kg/cm²

1.75 1 1/2
t = √4100 ( − ) = 35.5cm
5 6𝜋

2) It is proposed to widen existing 2-lane NH to 4-lane NH divided roads. Design the pavement for
new carriage way
i. 4-lane divided carriage way
ii. Initial traffic in each section in the year of completion of 2year = 5600 commercial
vehicles(CV) per day
iii. Design life = 10 years or 15 years
iv. Design CBR of subgrade soil = 5%
v. Traffic growth rate = 8%
vi. Vehicle damage factor(VDF) = 4.5 (standard axial /cv)
WKT,
365[(1+r)n − 1]
CSA (Ns) = A ∗ D ∗ F in msa.
r
A = 5600 cv/day
40
D = 5600 x 100 = 2240 cv/day
r = 8% = 0.08
n = 10
F = Vehicle Damage Factor (VDF) = 0.4
365[(1+0.08)10 − 1]
CSA (Ns) = 5600 ∗ 4.5 ∗ 0.4
0.08
Ns = 53.29 msa
Ns = 53.29 msa and CBR = 5% from chart, overall thickness = 660mm
From table plate 3;
Total pavement thickness = 700mm
 Wearing Course = 40mm, BC
Binder Course = 115mm, DBM
Granular Base = 250mm
Granular sub base = 300mm

3) Design pavement for construction of a new bypass with a following data.

i. Two lane single carriage way.
ii. Initial traffic in the year of contraction = 400 cv/day (sum of both direction)
iii. Traffic growth rate per annum = 7.5%
iv. Design life = 15 years
v. Vehicle damage factors (based on axial load survey) = 2.5(standard axial /cv)
vi. Design CBR of subgrade soil = 4%
365[(1+r)n − 1]
CSA (Ns) = A ∗ D ∗ F in msa.
r
365[(1+0.075)15 − 1]
CSA (Ns) = 400 ∗ 2.5 ∗ 0.75
0.075
Ns = 7.2 msa and CBR = 4% from chart, overall thickness = 660mm

From table plate 1;

Total pavement thickness = 700mm
Wearing Course = 40mm, BC
Binder Course = 80mm, DBM
Granular Base = 250mm
Granular sub base = 330mm

4) It is proposed to widen an existing 4 lane NH section to 3 lane dual carriage way road.
i. Initial traffic in both directions = 4932 CVPD
ii. Construction period = 20 months
iii. Design life = 15 years
iv. Design CBR of soil = 7%
v. Traffic growth rate = 8%
vi. VDF = 4.5
vii. Land distribution factor = 75% (0.75) Dec/Jan-2019-20

365[(1+r)n − 1]
CSA (Ns) = A ∗ D ∗ F in msa.
r
4 lane NH section to 3 lane dual carriage way road = 60%
60
A = 100 x 4932 = 2959.2cvpd
365[(1+0.08)15 − 1]
CSA (Ns) = 2959.2 ∗ 4.5 ∗ 0.75 = 98.97 msa
0.08
Ns = 98.97 or 100 msa and CBR = 7% from chart, overall thickness = 575mm
From table plate 2;
Total pavement thickness = 575mm
Wearing Course = 50mm, BC
Binder Course = 145mm, DBM
Granular Base = 250mm
Granular sub base = 230mm
5) Design flexible pavement for a two lane undivided carriageway using the following data: Design
CBR value of subgrade 5.0%, initial traffic on completion of construction is 300CV/day. Average
growth rate 6.0% per year. Design life is 10years, VDF value is 2.5, and lane distribution factor is
0.75.
Given data: r = 6%, N = 300 CV/day, F = 2.5, n = 10years, D = 0.75
365[(1+r)n − 1]
CSA (Ns) = A ∗ D ∗ F in msa.
r
365[(1+0.06)10 − 1]
CSA (Ns) = ∗ 300 ∗ 0.75 ∗ 2.5 = 2.7 msa say 3.0msa
0.06

Using the chart, for CBR = 5% and CSA = 3 msa and total thickness = 530mm (from chart)
As per IRC the pavement components, GSB = 230mm, GB = 250mm, BM = 50mm, PC = 20mm

6) Design flexible pavement for a two- way road using the following data: Design CBR value of
subgrade 5.0%, for an initial traffic of 1200 CV/day. The period of construction is 5 years and the
Design life is 15years after opening to traffic. The VDF value is 2.5, the rate of growth of traffic is
7.5% per annum. Show with a sketch the composition of designed pavement.
Given data:
CBR = 5%
2-way traffic = 1200 CV/day
Per side traffic = 600 CV/day
Construction period = 5years
Design life = 15years
VDF (F) = 2.5
r = 7.5%
365[(1+r)n − 1]
CSA (Ns) = A ∗ D ∗ F in msa.
r
365[(1+0.075)15 − 1]
CSA (Ns) = ∗ 600 ∗ 0.75 ∗ 2.5 = 23709313.03 = 23.7msa
0.075
From chart total pavement thickness is 650mm.
By IRC for CBR 5% and Cumulative traffic 23.7msa by interpolation.
Total pavement thickness = 697.4 say 700mm
BC = 40mm, DBM = 110mm, Base = 250mm and Sub base = 300mm

Base Course 40mm

DBM,110mm
Base, 250mm
Sub-Base, 300mm
Subgrade