SPR 2013 Prime KTC: AASHTO MEPDG Calibration Continuation

The objectives of this project are: 1) Review current activities relating to local calibration procedures of the NCHRP MEPDG. 2) Review in-service pavement sections to correlate predicted performance with actual performance to adjust the MEPDG prediction models. 3) Develop appropriate calibration factors for each predicted distress. 4) Develop a strategic plan for final implementation and integration of the new design guide into Kentucky’s design process. 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 Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG)”. This project will extend this work and develop the final calibrated design parameters and assist the Cabinet in utilizing the new design guide for routine thickness design