SPR 15-494: AASHTO MEPDG PAVEMENT DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION

This project supports Kentucky's MEPDG implementation efforts, including calibration and verification of the design process and support for development of default Pavement Design inputs. This project will also support Kentucky’s efforts in the participation of the FHWA pooled fund study looking at the PREP-ME software used for analysis of traffic data for the new design guide. The new design guide will allow Kentucky to move away from their current design procedure developed 30 years ago. It is anticipated that this new design process will provide more efficient designs providing the potential for cost savings over the current design methodology. It will allow designers to take into account variable levels of design reliability tailored to a specific type of roadway or level of service. Kentucky is currently in the process of adopting the new AASHTO Pavement Design Guide, this guide requires calibration based on local conditions and materials. Work in this calibration process was begun under research project KYSPR 10-396 “Local Calibration and strategic Plan for Implementation of the AASHTO (MEPDG)”. This project will extend this work and develop the final calibrated design parameters and assist the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in utilizing the new design guide for routine thickness design.