New generation of wide-base tires: Impact on trucking operations, environment, and pavements

Since the new generation of wide-base tires was introduced in 2000, researchers from a variety of disciplines have evaluated the impact of the new tires on trucking operations, road infrastructure, and the environment. This paper outlines the status of wide-base tire technology with respect to established benefits, concerns to be addressed, and the potential use of this product in trucking operations. The objective of this paper is to serve as a benchmark for researchers and truck fleet managers with respect to the use of this new technology during the gradual transition from dual tires to the new generation of wide-base tires. For trucking operations, the new generation of wide-base tires provides substantial benefits in fuel efficiency, hauling capacity, tire cost and repair, ride, comfort, and vehicle stability. The new generation of wide-base tires is also comparable to conventional dual-tire assemblies in truck operation and safety. Since the new generation of wide-base tires has only been on the market for a short period of time, the potential for recapping these tires is not well-documented. As for environmental impact, the new generation of wide-base tires provides substantial benefits in gas emission reduction, noise reduction, and tire recycling at the end of service life. With respect to pavement and for primary road applications, pavement damage similar to damage rendered by conventional dual tires is expected, given that the probability of fatigue cracking is usually low in these pavement classes.