Calibration of MEPDG permanent deformation models using Hamburg Wheel Rut Tester and field data

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper presents a new approach for calibration of Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) permanent deformation models using the Hamburg Wheel Rut Tester (HWRT) Data. The approach was applied on two Ontario mixes tested in HWRT to calibrate and validate the asphalt concrete (AC) rut models. Data from one Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) programme test section in Ontario were also used for verification, calibration and validation of the AC and unbound pavement layer rut models. The section had two construction (CN) life spans, one before milling and overlay (CN1) and one after (CN2). The study used two finite element models and an Excel VBA sheet to run the verification, calibration and validation of the MEPDG rut models. Proposed calibration coefficients resulted in significant reduction in bias, sum of squared errors (SSE) and standard error of estimate (SEE) for rutting by at least 91% for the two HWRT mixes and by at least 67% for CN1 and CN2, when compared with the global and Ontario local calibration coefficients. The results support the conclusion that the approach of using laboratory wheel tracking device data for calibrating the MEPDG rut models is promising.