The term Equivalent Single Axle Load (ESAL) is the number of equivalent 18,000pound single axle loads expected to be imposed on a roadway section. The
following equations can be used to determine ESALs for single and tandem axles.
I. Determine the ESAL for all of the axle loads.
II. Plot the results to Question 1 as a function of Axle load
III. Discuss in a few sentences the implications of your answers to Questions 1
and 2 and their implications for the transport of heavy loads as might be
needed for the wind-energy industry.
The Traffic Distribution by Direction: The initial daily traffic is in two
directions Direction distribution is usually made by assuming 50 % of the
traffic and each direction unless special conditions weren't same other.
A two-lane major rural highways has an AADT of 4000 during the first year of
traffic, 25% trucks, 4% annual growth rate, and 50% on the design lane. Compute
the ESAL for a design period of 20 yrs. Use truck factor of 0.38. Consider lane
Dist. = 1.0.
Solution
ESAL (ADT) (T) (T" (G) (Y) (D) (L) 365
(G) + G)Y- 11/G : + 0.04)20- 11/0.04
= 29.78
ESAL : (4000) (0.25) (0.38) (29.78) (0.50) (1.0) 365
=2, 065, 200