When 8 Tons Become 20: Why Many Indonesian Roads Fail Too Fast
Abstract
In Indonesia, many roads are designed based on standard axle load assumption. But in real condition, trucks often carry load much higher than legal limit. Because of that, pavement structure receive damage much faster than expected.
This article explain in simple way how exponential damage work in pavement engineering, using simulation from 8 ton until 20 ton axle load. The comparison also refer to Indonesian Bina Marga standard and international pavement design reference.
1. Introduction
Road pavement in Indonesia is designed using traffic prediction and standard axle load calculation. According to Manual Desain Perkerasan Jalan 2017 (Revisi 2020) by Direktorat Jenderal Bina Marga:
The design assume that vehicle load is controlled and within regulation.
But in many provinces and districts, overloaded truck is very common. In some case, axle load can reach 16 ton or even 20 ton.
Based on AASHTO pavement design concept:
https://store.transportation.org
There is principle called Fourth Power Law, which say:
Pavement damage is proportional to axle load power four.
This mean, damage is not linear. It grow exponential.
2. Road Condition in Indonesia
Data from Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS):
Indonesia have more than 540,000 km road network. National road condition reported above 90% stable, but many provincial and district roads still damaged.
One important factor is overloaded freight transport.
Many people blame contractor quality. But mathematically, load factor is more dominant than workmanship issue.
3. Simplified Damage Model
We use simple equation:
Damage Ratio = (Actual Load / Standard Load)^4
Assume:
- Standard axle load = 8 ton
- Design life = 10 years
4. Simulation Analysis
Case 1 – 8 Ton (Standard)
Damage = (8/8)^4 = 1
Road last full 10 years (as designed).
Case 2 – 12 Ton
Damage = (12/8)^4
Damage = (1.5)^4
Damage = 5.06
Damage increase 5 times.
Service life:
10 / 5.06 ≈ 2 years
Case 3 – 16 Ton
Damage = (16/8)^4
Damage = (2)^4
Damage = 16
Damage increase 16 times.
Service life:
10 / 16 ≈ 0.6 year
Only about 7 months.
Case 4 – 20 Ton (Extreme Overload)
Damage = (20/8)^4
Damage = (2.5)^4
Damage = 39.06
Damage increase 39 times.
Service life:
10 / 39 ≈ 0.25 year
Only around 3 months.
This explain why sometimes newly rehabilitated road fail after one rainy season.
5. Exponential Curve Reference
Exponential Damage Simulation Graph
[Axle Load vs Damage]
The curve show small increase in load can produce very big structural damage.
6. Discussion
This situation show that:
- Pavement failure not always because poor asphalt quality
- Not always because contractor corruption
- But because structural stress exceed design assumption
Transportation Research Board (TRB) publish many research about pavement fatigue and axle load effect:
https://www.trb.org/Publications/Publications.aspx
World Bank also explain infrastructure asset management importance:
https://documents.worldbank.org
Without load control, infrastructure become financially inefficient.
Even if we increase asphalt thickness, exponential factor still dominate.
7. Comparison with Bina Marga Design Philosophy
Bina Marga design assume:
- Controlled ESAL calculation
- Predictable traffic growth
- Standard load enforcement
If real condition not same with assumption, then:
- Design life become unrealistic
- Maintenance cost increase
- Budget always used for reactive repair
This is not only technical issue, but also policy and enforcement issue.
8. Strong Conclusion
From simple simulation, we can see clearly:
When axle load increase from 8 ton to 20 ton, pavement damage increase 39 times.
This is not small deviation.
This is structural collapse acceleration.
If road designed for 10 years, extreme overload can reduce life into only 3 months.
This mean, no matter how good the contractor work, no matter how thick asphalt layer, if overload continue, road will fail.
Therefore, solution is not only better construction.
Solution must include strict load control, weighbridge enforcement, and consistent regulation.
If not, infrastructure development will always become cycle of rebuild and repair without long term sustainability.
Engineering without enforcement is mathematically fragile.
Regards from your engineer @kharrazi
References
Direktorat Jenderal Bina Marga – Manual Desain Perkerasan Jalan (2017, Rev 2020)
https://binamarga.pu.go.idAASHTO – Guide for Design of Pavement Structures
https://store.transportation.orgBadan Pusat Statistik – Statistik Transportasi Indonesia
https://www.bps.go.idTransportation Research Board – Pavement Research
https://www.trb.org/Publications/Publications.aspxWorld Bank – Infrastructure Asset Management
https://documents.worldbank.org