01333172

Component

The AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) includes empirical distress models that have been calibrated using the North American conditions. But, the differences of material properties, traffic information, and environmental conditions for Latin American countries make necessary to calibrate these models using local conditions. This paper presents an overview of Costa Rica’s experience in the calibration of the flexible pavement component of the AASHTO MEPDG performed by the National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models at the University of Rica (In Spanish, LanammeUCR). First, the paper deals with the importance of using mechanistic-empirical (ME) analysis and design models, as opposed to the purely empirical models that have been traditionally used in Latin America and the world. In second place, it discusses the data and testing requirements to perform proper ME analysis, and the feasibility of performing some of the more complex material characterization tests in Costa Rica. Then, a dynamic modulus (E*) model is developed in order to assess the improvement in accuracy provided by the local calibration (Witczak-Lanamme Model). Finally, this gives rise to future work in calibration of other performance models. This paper also serves as a guide to identify potential problems to highway agencies in their MEPDG calibrations.

The DVD lists the title of this paper as: Experiences in Calibration of AASHTO's Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide for Flexible Pavement from Costa Rica.

01329018

11-3359

English

20p

2011

Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures (5) ; References (23) ; Tables (7)

Calibration; Dynamic modulus of elasticity; Flexible pavements; Pavement design; Pavement distress

Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide

Costa Rica

Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2011 Paper #11-3359

TRIS, TRB

Feb 17 2011 6:29PM