ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Implementation of the Mechanistic Empirical (M-E) Pavement Design procedure in Nebraska is being progressed. M-E design is a new way of designing pavements and predicting their long term performance. The approach is composed of two components. Engineers have dealt with the mechanistic component for many years. However, complexities arise from the fact that pavements are subject to accumulative damages due to traffic loads and environmental factors. The empirical component is predicting accumulative damage using damage models obtained through experimentation and monitoring. FHWA has developed the M-E Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) software to aid in the implementation of the new M-E design procedures. Damage models used in the software have been calibrated based on Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) data obtained from all over the U.S. which could result in an inaccurate prediction in any given State. The objective is to develop data to calibrate the existing MEPDG models so that its damage predictions would be more accurate for the way we build and maintain pavements in the State of Nebraska. Sensitivity analysis helps to validate the reasonableness of the model predictions, to identify problems in the soft-ware. Results from all the simulations showed that almost all of the cases produce reasonable values for transverse cracking, faulting, and IRI.
