Data collection experience for preliminary calibration of the AASHTO pavement design guide for flexible pavements in South Carolina

Abstract

The primary objective of this research was to identify existing historical data (i.e., climate, traffic, pavement design information, material properties, and pavement performance) within the South Carolina Department of Transportation for use in the local calibration of the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) for South Carolina. Based on all of the compiled information, 14 in-service asphalt concrete (AC) pavement sections were selected as suitable for this study, and information gaps were identified. Field and laboratory tests were performed to study the subgrade modulus at 3 sites. The data collected for the 14 sections were used to perform a preliminary analysis of the MEPDG AC rutting models and AC fatigue cracking models. Level 1 (project specific), Level 2 (region specific), or Level 3 (default) inputs were used, depending on data availability. This study was the first step in obtaining local calibration factors for South Carolina and provided guidance to perform the final local calibration. Currently, many highway agencies are looking to implement MEPDG for designing their pavements. Thus, this paper serves as a guide to other highway agencies in their preliminary phase of a MEPDG local calibration study.