Calibration of Pavement ME Design and Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide Performance Prediction Models for Iowa Pavement Systems

Abstract

AbstractThe AASHTO mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) pavement performance models and the associated AASHTOWare pavement ME design software are nationally calibrated using design inputs and distress data largely from the national long-term pavement performance (LTPP). Further calibration and validation studies are necessary for local highway agencies’ implementation by taking into account local materials, traffic information, and environmental conditions. This study aims to improve the accuracy of MEPDG/pavement ME design pavement performance predictions for Iowa pavement systems through local calibration of MEPDG prediction models. A total of 70 sites from Iowa representing both jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCPs) and hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements were selected. The accuracy of the nationally calibrated MEPDG prediction models for Iowa conditions was evaluated. The local calibration factors of MEPDG performance prediction models were identified using both linear and nonlinear opti...