This thesis is concerned with the characterization of layered contact problems. The research project
has been prompted by an investigation into creep, and ultimately, gross sliding, of rubber tyres
fitted around steel wheels in earth moving equipment. In general, slippage between tyre and rim
is experienced in common engineering applications employing tyred systems. A general and systematic
approach for investigating the interfacial behaviour of tyred systems has consequently been
proposed. Classical techniques together with novel numerical approaches based on advanced mathematical
programming have been implemented to support the investigation. Creep between mating
surfaces, frictional shakedown and measuring friction in partial slip condition are the main objects
of investigation. The analytical and numerical models developed by the author have been complemented
by experimental work, whose detailed description is also included in this thesis. Finally,
further studies have been performed to shed light on some of the design issues offered by the threedimensional
full-scale engineering application. The numerical approach based on finite element
modelling used to tackle these aspects of the project and the experimental work carried out by the
author to corroborate the numerical findings are also presented.