A Simplified Mechanistic-Empirical Flexible Pavement Design Method for Moderate to Hot Climate Regions

Flexible pavement structure design is a complex task because of the variability input parameters and failure mechanisms. Therefore, aim this study to develop implement simplified Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E) method based on 1993 American Association State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), National Cooperative Research Program (NCHRP) 9-22, NCHRP 1-37A 1-40D projects. This methodology implemented into computer code user-friendly software called “ME-PAVE”. In methodology, only two equivalent temperatures, as per 9-22 project, are estimated adjust dynamic modulus asphalt layer(s) for Asphalt Concrete (AC) rutting AC fatigue cracking prediction instead using hourly climatic data, in AASHTOWare Pavement ME. ME-PAVE, structural responses at critical locations determined by Finite Element Module (FEM), which verified Multi-layer Elastic Analysis (MLEA) program. To ensure that practical accurate, incorporated transfer functions proposed calibrated Long-Term Performance (LTPP) data. Based statistical analyses, built-in FEM results exhibit very similar trends those yielded MLEA, with coefficient determination, R2 1.0. For all purposes, despite simplifications, yields acceptable accuracy 0.317 rut depth compared current practices, (R2 = 0.399 0.577, respectively); while 0.382 comparable 0.275. Nonetheless, standard error both distresses good agreement investigated data developed methodology. Finally, conducted sensitivity analysis demonstrate produces rational performance.