Exploring Alternative Approach to Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Program

This research aims to assess the feasibility of adapting the pavement design program MnPAVE, currently utilized by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT), to meet the specific requirements of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). MnPAVE is an open-source software jointly developed by the Minnesota DOT and the University of Minnesota. To achieve this goal, CDOT-specific climate, material, and traffic data will be collected through materials testing and publicly accessible sources such as OTIS and Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) InfoPave. The open-source code of MnPAVE will be modified to tailor inputs, outputs, and models to CDOT's unique needs for both concrete and asphalt pavements. The resulting "verification program" will align with the principles of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design (MEPD) methodology. A sensitivity analysis will be conducted to compare the outcomes of the verification program with those of MEPD, revealing any disparities. Additionally, the research will determine the calibration coefficients, if required, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the verification program.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Programmed
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Colorado Department of Transportation

  Applied Research and Innovation Branch
  Denver, CO  United States  80204
• Managing Organizations:

  Colorado Department of Transportation

  Applied Research and Innovation Branch
  Denver, CO  United States  80204
• Project Managers:

  Tran, Thien

• Start Date: 20250901
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calibration; Mechanistic-empirical pavement design; Software
• Identifier Terms: Colorado Department of Transportation; MnPAVE
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01930637
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Colorado Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 16 2024 9:48AM