H-20 LOADING SPECIFICATIONS

Metric

English

Summary of top deck stresses under H-20 loading conditions (32,000 lbs/14,500 kg)

PAVERS

ASPHALT

CONCRETE

PAVERS WITH CONCRETE

21.3 psi

21.3 psi

18.7 psi

15.0 psi

3.15 pavers
1 sand base
12 of aggregate

4 of asphalt concrete
12 of aggregate

4 of Portland Cement
Concrete
4 of aggregate

2.36 pavers
5 of Portland Cement
Concrete

146.8 kN/m2 (kPa)

146.8 kN/m2 (kPa)

128.9 kN/m2 (kPa)

103.4 kN/m2 (kPa)

8 cm pavers
2.5 cm sand base
30.5 cm of aggregate

10 cm of asphalt concrete
30.5 cm of aggregate

10 cm of Portland Cement
Concrete
10 cm of aggregate

6 cm pavers
12.7 cm of Portland Cement
Concrete

The Silva Cell can support vehicle loading up to AASHTO H-20

rating of 32,000 lbs. (14,500 kgs) per axle. This rating refers to
the ability of a roadway to safely accommodate 3-4 axle vehicles,
such as a large semi-truck and trailer.
The tables and associated paving conditions listed here are
represented in our standard product details and specifications.
Loading standards vary worldwide and your particular project may
have different needs. Please consult with Deep Root to review and
optimize the use of the Silva Cell to your project requirements.

Cell. The applied stress values from the applied loading on

the pavement surface were determined using Sigma/W, a finite
element program, for each of the design cases. These values were
compared to the ultimate allowable stress (considering a minimum
safety factor of 1.45). In all cases, the material self weight is used.
The values in the table to the right are the applied stresses due to
various loading scenarios and are calculated based on having the
ground surface loads dissipated through the pavement surface.

Physical load testing was completed by TRI Environmental in

order to determine the ultimate allowable stress of the Silva

Stress

31.2
psi

Ultimate
Allowable
Stress
21.3 psi

Typical H-20 Axle Loading at the

Pavement Surface

21.3 psi
18.7 psi
15.0 psi

Pavers

Asphalt

Concrete

Recommended
Allowable
Stress

Pavers with
Concrete

is the recommended allowable stress that can be applied

to the deck and represents a minimum safety factor of 1.45
when compared to the ultimate allowable stress value
Factor of Safety

Deep Root Partners, L.P.

Corporate Offices: 530 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel: 800 ILV ROOT (458.7668) Fax: 800.277.7668 www.deeproot.com
2009 Deep Root Partners, L.P. 05/09
Printed on 100% PCW Recycled Paper

curb
Maximum axle load of
32,000 lbs/14,500 kg

6-0
1.8 m