Center for Transportation Research and Education

About the research

The primary purpose of this report is to improve Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) ability to manage the increasing truck volumes and axle loads on the state highway system. By determining truck type, size, and estimated weight and volumes by commodity, equivalent single axle loads (ESAL) estimates by commodity can be determined. The current personal computer (PC) version of Quick Response System II (QRS II) was used to distribute and assign heavy truck trips to the statewide network.

Specific tasks completed on this study were to: (1) investigate and compile all existing relevant data available to the study team; (2) convert all commodity flows to truck loads and to ESAL values; (3) use appropriate databases, KDOT existing statewide networks, and the QRS II PC program to make assignment to the statewide network for five agricultural commodities; and (4) write a final report of methodologies and procedures used and the study results.