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Scientific Papers

Vol. 10 No. 19 (2008): Journal 19

Determination of truck factors in Costa Rican pavements

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/72gcxw36
Submitted
October 22, 2025
Published
2025-10-22

Abstract

In Costa Rica, many bituminous wearing courses fail due to the stresses imposed by vehicles.

This study presents the results of the determination of Truck Factors on eight major roadways in Costa Rica. The research is based on the analysis of vehicle load data and traffic classifications.

As general conclusions, the study confirms that the Typical Truck Factors used in Costa Rica underestimate the actual vehicle loads. Furthermore, it highlights the need for effective Vehicle Weight Control.

References

  1. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, "Guide for Design of Pavement Structures", Apéndice D, Washington, D.C (1993).
  2. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, "Guide for Design of Pavement Structures", (2002).
  3. Asphalt Institute, "Traffic Analysis and Thickness Design - Highways", 1993.
  4. Diario Oficial de Costa Rica La Gaceta No. 13, miércoles 19 de enero del 2005.
  5. García Maria Fernanda, "Variable Tránsito Colombiana para el Diseño de Pavimentos según AASHTO 2002". Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Epiciclos, Colombia (2002).
  6. "Mechanistic-Empirical Design of New and rehabilitated pavement structures". NCHRP Report 1-37A, National Cooperative Highway Research Board, National Research Council, Illinois, (2004).
  7. Portland Cement Association, "Traffic Load Analysis", (1993).
  8. Consejo Nacional de Vialidad, CONAVI, Dirección de Ingeniería.
  9. Figueroa, Tomás y Villalta, Carlos, "Metodología simplificada para determinar el índice de priorización de las rutas incluidas en los proyectos de conservación vial de la Red Nacional Pavimentada, Segunda Generación". Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes. Costa Rica. Abril 2006.

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