Grond bearing slab and flexible pavement to American codes

[Oversee]

I am currently designing a ground bearing slab as ring roads of an arena. Based on a rule of thumb, 250mm deep concrete slab resting on 150mm deep graded sub-base aggregate will be capable of withstanding a live load up to 15kPa (315lbf/ft2) and a maximum axle load up to 8.5 tonnes in the UK. Nevertheless, American codes were required but I am not familiar with them at all. Are these values conservative assumptions in the U.S.?

I will be grateful if anyone can let me know the American codes can be used to design rigid ground bearing slab and flexible pavement (e.g. tarmac). Good practice guide such as expansion/contraction detailing will also be greatly appreciated.

Oversee

 

[Ron]

Yes, those are conservative values.

The US does not have a pavement "code". It is up to the engineer to design the pavement section for loading based on one of several different methods. The most common methods are the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) procedures, procedures of the Portland Cement Association (PCA), specific state departments of transportation (WSDOT, FDOT, etc.), guidelines of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and others.

 

[cvg]

since permits are required by local agencies and they will review and approve the plans, it would be wise to get concurrence from the plan reviewer on the recommended method. AASHTO is generally acceptable but may be modified by local agencies.

 

[Oversee]

Great! Thanks!

Yes. AASHTO has been confirmed as the one to follow.