Layer Moduli of Nebraska Pavements for the New Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG)

Authors

Yong-Rak Kim, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Soohyok Im, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Hoki Ban, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

2010

Document Type

Article

Citation

Report # MPM-08 Final Report 26-1107-0108-001

Comments

Copyright 2010 Mid-America Transportation Center

Abstract

As a step-wise implementation effort of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) for the design and analysis of Nebraska flexible pavement systems, this research developed a database of layer moduli — dynamic modulus, creep compliance, and resilient modulus — of various pavement materials used in Nebraska. The database includes all three design input levels. Direct laboratory tests of the representative Nebraska pavement materials were conducted for Level 1 design inputs, and surrogate methods, such as the use of Witczak’s predictive equations and the use of default resilient moduli based on soil classification data, were evaluated to include Level 2 and/or Level 3 design inputs. Test results and layer modulus values are summarized in the appendices. Modulus values characterized for each design level were then put into the MEPDG software to investigate level-dependent performance sensitivity of typical asphalt pavements. The MEPDG performance simulation results then revealed any insights into the applicability of different modulus input levels for the design of typical Nebraska pavements. Significant results and findings are presented in this report.