Project Title: Faulting Model Improvements for MEPDG

Objective/Abstract

The purpose of this project is to address the over-prediction of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements (JPCP) faulting when using a higher Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE), and the under-prediction of faulting when using a widened slab, with the use of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) software PavementME. Additionally, a faulting model will be incorporated into the Bonded Concrete Overlays on Asphalt (BCOAs) Mechanistic-Empirical design procedure.

Equipment/Materials Used

NA

Principal Investigator(s)

PI: Lev Khazanovich

Co-PI: Julie Vandenbossche

Sponsors and Collaborators

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Current Personnel

Lucio Salles de Salles

Haoran Li

Katelyn Kosar

Former Personnel

John de Santis

Key Findings (on going project)

• Pavement ME using PA coefficient overpredicts faulting for 15 ft and 20 ft JPCP
• A new reliability model for faulting prediction was proposed using RMS data
• The new RMS calibrated reliability model predicts faulting more accurately
• It is possible to design JPCP for higher levels of traffic using the RMS calibrated reliability model

Potential Impact

As mentioned above, the improved model allows more accurate prediction of faulting in Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements, allowing for improved revisions of the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide and for designing JPCPs for higher traffic levels.

Buzzwords

-pavement design/MEPDG