Thaw induced axle load limitations

This thesis analyzed road conditions during spring thaw and considered how these conditions affect axle load limitations for roads in Iceland. The data for this project relied on information collected by the Icelandic Road Administration (ICERA). ICERA provided measurements for air temperatures, and profiles for roadbed moisture content, road temperatures and electrical conductivity. Because the road conditions were known, it offered an opportunity to evaluate the suitability of methodologies to impose and/or remove spring load restrictions (SLR) developed by various road administration agencies. A comparative analysis of moisture content and electrical conductivity supported the idea of using the latter to guide the decision of imposing SLR.;Comparing measured and predicted temperature profiles determined the thermal properties of a road section, which were then analyzed by Temp/W and refined and re-analyzed until predictions reproduced measured temperature profiles. The thermal properties used in this process were consistent with published or calculated values. Although this approach could be improved, it effectively predicted temperature profiles.;Key words: axle load limitations, spring thaw, road, electrical conductivity, moisture content, falling weight deflection test.