Rural roads are facing increasing deterioration due to the growing use of modern, heavier farm machinery, which is far heavier than the original design based on the anticipated weight when these rural roads were built. Machines like John Deere’s 9RX tractor, which can weigh up to 84,000 pounds, exert heavy stress on rural roads; the result is extensive cracking, rutting, and shoulder damage. Currently, local agencies are taking preventive strategies, which include incorporating thicker pavements, wider lanes, and improved drainage to handle larger loads. This research surveyed several rural roads and recorded current best practices for accommodating heavy agricultural vehicles. Numerical analysis was done to understand the impact of heavy loads on the existing rural roads. A semi-truck causes 0.165-in. and a 9RX causes 0.107-in. of vertical displacement on the top of the HMA layer. The study will help rethink the design and maintenance practices of rural roads.


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    Title :

    Evaluating the Effects of Modern Agricultural Vehicles on Rural Roads


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    International Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference 2025 ; 2025 ; Glendale, Arizona



    Publication date :

    2025-06-05




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



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