Using the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide for material selection

Abstract

The general design approach in the Mechanistic-Empirical pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) is to compare the performance of several trail structures over the design period against previously defined performance criteria to choice the best alternative after life cycle and constructability analyses. The material properties are selected from laboratory testing, correlation or typical values depending on the hierarchical levels defined by the designers. Layers in a flexible pavement structure are built with different materials and different asphalt mix types. The MEPDG predicted performance of pavement structures varies with variations of the material properties and material properties combination in the different layers. The effect on pavement performance from variations of material properties in the different layers of a pavement structure is analyzed in this study using MEPDG. The study showed that results from sensitivity studies of MEPDG to material properties can be used in selection of pavement materials for better performance.