Paving Thickness
Paving Thickness
(OP)
I need to know what thickness of asphalt pavement would typically be needed for a heavy vehicle area. The area is a coal yard for a boiler plant and the traffic will be coal trucks weighing up to 80,000 lb when loaded. The subgrade is 6" of compacted chrushed stone.
I have a specification that calls out 2" base layer, with 1.5" of wearing layer. Is this adequate, or are thicker layers needed?
Thanks
I have a specification that calls out 2" base layer, with 1.5" of wearing layer. Is this adequate, or are thicker layers needed?
Thanks





RE: Paving Thickness
RE: Paving Thickness
You must also consider water table depth and environmental conditions in this design. Give us a bit more info and perhaps we can help a bit more.
Ron
RE: Paving Thickness
For an analysis, using the AASHTO or Asphalt Institute (AI) methods, the Resiliant Modulus of the subgrade and aggregate base materials must be determined. Several methods are availible, the Hveem-Carmany (R value) and the CBR are common. (I have a preference for the Hveem-Carmany method.)
For the clayey soils and bedrocks I am used to, the section you described section is light and could have a useful life of less than 6 months. However, If the site has very sandy or gravelly soils or a competent bedrock which will not rapidly degrade, your section may be sufficient.
Whether or not you go with a relatively thick or thin Asphalt Layer, proper analysis and preparation of the subgrade soils is very important.
RE: Paving Thickness