Asphalt pavement bearing capacity
Asphalt pavement bearing capacity
(OP)
I have been hired to confirm that a temporary trailer founded on steel stands will not punch through an asphalt pavement parking lot. Intuitively I would expect the bearing capacity of the asphalt concrete to be equal to or higher than the soil beneath, but I need backup to put in my calc. Can anyone tell me where I can find such information.






RE: Asphalt pavement bearing capacity
RE: Asphalt pavement bearing capacity
RE: Asphalt pavement bearing capacity
In your analysis, you should treat the asphalt like soil, not like concrete. Since you will be bearing directly on the surface (i.e. no embedment), there could be a bearing failure, not just settlement. You should take this into account in your analysis.
RE: Asphalt pavement bearing capacity
It should be okay for a short period of time, but you need to explain to the client that this is not a predictable situation and that it may sink into the pavment over time.
RE: Asphalt pavement bearing capacity
Truck tires impart about 100psi (14.4ksf to the subgrade). An 18" plate at 4000psf gives you 9 kips per anchor. I don't see any problem putting it on the asphalt and softening shouldn't be an issue with that size plate. You may have to put a few helicals in to handle wind loads though.
Thanks for everyones response and I apologize for cross posting.