Axle Load Trends in Hungary and their Effects on Pavement Structural Design

A network of weight–in–motion sites has been implemented in Hungary in 1996. Measured data series provide a possibility for analyzing axle load trends in recent years. Both axle loads and total weights show an increasing tendency. Proportions of heavy vehicle categories have changed, too. According to the trends new design load classes were incorporated into the design guide a few years ago. A pavement strengthening program has been started on TEN–T and E–roads in order to comply with the EU 11,5 ton axle weight limit. Realistic axle load spectra and trends have been considered in the structural design of pavements.