Structural and environmental impact of new-generation wide-base tires in New Brunswick, Canada

The loading and environmental impacts of new-generation wide-base tires (NG-WBT) and dual tire assemblies (DTA) on typical asphalt concrete (AC) pavement sections of New Brunswick, Canada were evaluated using finite element method (FEM) analysis and life-cycle assessment. The impact of steering wheel was not considered in this study. The analysis considered realistic material models and loading conditions (i.e. AC viscoelastic characteristics and measured three-dimensional nonuniform tire-pavement contact loads). Predicted critical pavement responses were used in transfer functions to determine potential pavement damage. The NG-WBT loading resulted in greater critical pavement responses compared to that of DTA, especially near the surface (e.g. Vertical shear strains in AC). On the other hand, subgrade response (i.e. maximum vertical strains) to loading was similar for both tire configurations. NG-WBT market penetrations and pavement service life are inversely related. For example, an NG-WBT market penetration of 20% resulted in an 8% greater pavement damage. However, the higher the NG-WBT market penetration is, the greater fuel savings and, therefore, the fewer the emissions and greenhouse gases. Hence, both structural and environmental impacts must be considered.