Eighteen-Wheelers May Be A Thing Of The Past, Thanks To Researchers At The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

Pavement researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) are examining the use of cost-effective single wide-base tires in place of dual tires on big rigs. Sponsored by a grant from the Michelin Americas Research and Development Corporation, the research uses field-test data and computer simulation to address the concerns of U.S. pavement engineers that wide-base tires may cause a significant increase in pavement damage on roadways. Pavement deterioration presents serious economic, safety, and traffic concerns. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that $1.3 trillion is needed to repair the nation's infrastructure over the next five years.