The permanent deformation of granular materials is an important indicator in making decisions associated with the traffic of superheavy vehicles on pavements. The PBD model, a recently developed mechanistic-empirical model, analyzes the effect of superheavy load vehicles using the plastic strain rate as an indicator. The plastic strain rates of materials subjected to repeated cyclic stresses are defined by two states: (1) the post-compaction phase and (2) the shakedown state, with a probable range of permanent deformation being defined from each of these states. This paper explores the limits of applicability of the PBD model at different times in the stress history of granular materials. An accelerated pavement test with typical pavement structures from Quebec (Canada) is used as a reference. The changes in the plastic strain rate to variables related to the stress history in the granular material were studied, and a probabilistic relationship is proposed to improve the analytical predictions of the PBD model.

Dams are structures designed primarily for water containment. They usually are found in areas with special transportation needs, either for mining purposes or for transporting heavy equipment, and with limited road infrastructure available. Heavy traffic over dams is discouraged, due to the damage this can cause to the integrity of the structure. The possible deformations caused by the passage of vehicles on the dam crest are not typically considered in the design of earth dams; however, the authorization of vehicle traffic on dams can be beneficial both economically and environmentally. A tolerance criterion is required to determine the allowable vehicle load on the dam crest. This paper presents an analysis of the permanent deformation caused in the core of a rockfill dam. Stress conditions that may be associated with a rapid accumulation of permanent deformation were identified, and an analysis method is proposed to specify the acceptable heavy traffic conditions for the dams.

The analysis of damage caused by vehicles with atypical load magnitudes and axle conditions on flexible pavements is challenging for engineers. This analysis determines whether the road network’s use by this type of vehicle is authorized or denied. Consequently, it is a fundamental part of the planning and final cost estimation associated with transporting specific loads. In the literature available, different approaches are presented to address this problem. In this paper, the background in these approaches is presented, and their advantages and limitations are discussed. A compilation of different criteria can cover the aspects relevant to this type of analysis more broadly. However, some conceptual weaknesses can be identified in some currently available standards, leaving room for future research to improve how the effect of superheavy vehicles is analyzed.

The transit of superheavy vehicles on the road network requires a specific authorisation, which results from a critical analysis of the vehicle's effect on the pavement and other road infrastructure. The assessment of the damage caused by these atypical loading conditions is based on the mechanistic-empirical approach to pavement analysis. In practice, two critical behaviours are taken as reference: (1) fatigue failure and (2) structural rutting of the pavement. However, damage assessment is carried out based on partial stresses, making it an incomplete approach to the conditions described by superheavy loads. This article compares different analysis criteria to quantify the damage caused by superheavy trucks and identifies common interest elements. Additionally, a novel approach is used to study the partial contribution of pavement layers to the structure's performance under atypical loading conditions.