South Dakota Department of Transportation
Project Synopsis
SD1995-15

Title: Statewide Truck Tire Configuration Survey
Project Researcher: Dan Strand, Not Applicable
Project Manager: Blair Lunde
Research Period: 1/1/1900 - 1/1/1900
Status: Active
Cost: $0.00

Problem Statement:In 1991, "The Effects of Increased Truck Tire Loads on Pavement" (SD92-06) was selected by the Research Review Board for a research study. The research was completed in November of 1993 by Huntingdon/Austin Research Engineers, Inc. That studys field observations indicated:

An increasing number of truck owners are replacing dual tired wheel configurations with super single tires or singled-out-dual tires,

A growing number of truck owners are installing lift and/or tag axles equipped with minimum sized single tires to carry legal loads.

More load is carried on each tire and these tire loads are approaching the legal maximum, 600 pounds per inch width of tire.

The damage caused by super singles is 2.2 times that of the conventional dual tire configuration and for singled-out duals it is 2.7 times that of the conventional dual tire configuration.

The tire load level is nearly double the pounds per inch width of tire load caused by a typical, conventional dual tired wheel configuration. The study defined increased tire load as carrying the same load on less tire width in configurations such as super singles, singled-out duals and lift and/or tag axles.

One of the studys key recommendations was that a more complete survey should be conducted to determine the extent and time distribution of truck tire configurations in use throughout South Dakota. Information is needed on the numbers of these types of configurations to provide data that can be used to justify legislation to change the legal maximum of 600 pounds per inch width of tire to 500 pounds per inch width of tire. The data collected should show that additional damage done by these tire configurations is detrimental to the States pavements.

Findings:

Research Objectives:
1  To review data collection methods used by the Highway Patrol in collecting the truck tire configuration data needed. (manual, semi-automated, fully automated)
2  To quantify/profile truck tire configuration numbers on South Dakota highways.
3  To establish a database that can be used to analyze the data.
4  To identify a media expert to assist the Department in developing an effective, meaningful presentation to explain and illustrate the tire load problem to the general public and government leaders.

Research Tasks:
1  Meet with the project's technical panel to review project scope and work plan.
2  Survey literature, vendors, surrounding states for additional information that would be useful in the overall objectives of the study.
3  Propose various scenarios and costs for collecting and analyzing data.
4  Determine presentation needs for public and legislative education and documentation)
5  Determine what data should be collected (total population profile, weight per tire, etc.).
6  Determine forms/methods for collecting data (paper, computer, etc.)
7  Identify database & set up data entry forms and procedures.
8  Evaluate and establish means of data entry into database (manual key in, disk transfer, modem transfer)
9  Analyze the data collected.
10  Prepare a final report and executive summary of the literature review, research methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
11  Make an executive presentation to the SDDOT Research Review Board at conclusion of the project.

Documents Available: