Validation on the Mechanical Models of Asphalt Pavement Structures with Field Measured Data Associated with Increasing Freight Movements

This study is aimed at better understanding the effects of heavy trucks on the performance of asphalt pavements. As the U.S. freight movements are dominated by truck transportation, the addition of new roadway lane-miles in Region VII have not kept pace with the increase in truck volume. As such, existing highway pavements must be effectively preserved under heavy truck loads. The key to the success of infrastructure preservation is to accurately predict the behavior of pavement structures. To this end, it was necessary for the study to collect sufficient field performance data. The data were used to validate the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) and the finite element method (FEM), in terms of the impact of heavy truck loading on pavement performance. Actual roadway sections in Missouri were selected and monitored several times over the project period. Pavement performance-related data such as traffic information, asphalt material properties, and subgrade condition were collected and used for various analyses. The study provides insights into effective implementation of the MEPDG into the design and analysis of pavements in Region VII. The study’s findings provide necessary information for the development of the next generation of a rigorously mechanics-based MEPDG. The outcome of the study led to better understanding of the pavement structure designs; which can result in long lasting transportation infrastructure and improve public safety.

  • Record URL:
  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the Department of Transportation University Transportation Centers Program.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla

    Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
    1401 N Pine Street
    Rolla, MO  United States  65409

    Mid-America Transportation Center

    University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
    Lincoln, NE  United States  68583-0851

    Research and Innovative Technology Administration

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Ge, Yu-Ning
    • Chen, Genda
  • Publication Date: 2011-10-5

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Edition: Final Report
  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 56p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01380271
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: 25-1121-0001-241, Report # MATC-MST: 241
  • Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Aug 21 2012 8:50AM