ABSTRACT
In this investigation, the axle load and annual average daily traffic data for three National Highways (NH 5, NH 58 and NH 79) in India were collected. Analysis of the data revealed that considerable amount of overloading exist in these highways. It was found that while the gross vehicle weight were within the limits, the rear axles were overloaded. Statistical analysis was carried out on all the axle load data and it was seen that a mixed normal, lognormal and Weibull distribution can fit the data. Using the moment statistics of the axle load distribution, the load spectra factor was calculated for various axle types. The sensitivity of overloading in the calculation of equivalent single axle load was quantified using the vehicle damage factor and truck factors. It was also observed that the efficiency and accuracy of LSF was substantially higher to consider it as an alternative input for pavement design.
