Rate of deterioration of bridges and pavements as affected by trucks.
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2013-12-01
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Abstract:The largest loads on public road systems disproportionately inflict the greatest damage to highway
infrastructure. Simultaneously facing both increasing demand for overweight loads and deteriorating
pavement and bridges, the South Carolina Department of Transportation commissioned this study to
investigate the impact of heavy vehicle traffic on pavements and bridges in South Carolina and to
develop policy recommendations based on technical analysis and the modern institutional environment
in South Carolina. To conduct this study, Clemson University estimated pavement and bridge
deterioration, investigated the adequacy of standard practices in state agencies for dealing with this
deterioration, and characterized how stakeholders in South Carolina’s trucking industry perceive those
practices.
The pavement models revealed that overweight trucks reduce pavement service life significantly
beyond design standards. Results from the bridge model indicated that bridge damage increased
exponentially with an increase in truck weight. Recovering damage for South Carolina’s highways will
require a flat fee of $65 per trip, but traditional flat fees for overweight loads fail to charge fairly
according to the differing level of damage from distributions of vehicle weights, axle configurations,
and trip length. Several alternative fee structures are presented, such as an axle-based system in
which permits will cost between $24 and $175 per trip according to load, vehicle configuration, and trip
distance.
Stakeholder interviews indicated differing opinions on the objectives of user fees for permitting
overweight loads; however, many stakeholders indicated a need to address illegal loads and establish
consistent fee structures across the Southeastern mega-region. SCDOT and trucking industry
representatives should work together in an ongoing focus group to develop common understanding of
issues, consensus around objectives, and provisions for fairness that will address industry concerns.
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