MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Implementation of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide
Authors:	George Dzotepe and Khaled Ksaibati
University:	University of Wyoming
Publication Date:	Sep 2010
Report #:	MPC-10-225A
TRID #:	01207862
Keywords:	implementation, mechanistic-empirical pavement design, pavement design

Abstract

Current pavement design methodology based on the AASHTO Design Guide uses an empirical approach based on the results of the AASHTO Road Test conducted in 1958. But limitations of the current guide led AAHSTO to publish the new Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), which combines mechanistic and empirical methodology by using calculations of pavement responses, such as stress, strains, and deformations (mechanistic) using site specific inputs from climate, material, and traffic properties. As a new design guide and with large data inputs required, there are bound to be challenges. In this respect, the MEPDG is currently undergoing many changes with further research being conducted at the national, regional, and local levels into various aspects of the guide, especially in the areas of materials, climate, and traffic characteristics. It is hoped that the findings from various research studies will facilitate the implementaion of the MEPDG within national, regional, and local transporation agencies and professionals. Consequently, a North-West States' MEPDG User Group meeting was held in Oregon on March 9–10 to discuss the region's implementation plans and progress, related technical issues, and the future direction of the MEPDG. This report summarizes the findings from the meeting and seeks to outline the research needs necessary to facilitate the implementation of the MEPDG in the North-West region.

Related Reports

• [Final Report] The Effect of Environmental Factors on the Implementation of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide

How to Cite

Dzotepe, George, and Khaled Ksaibati. Implementation of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEGPD), MPC-10-225A. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2010.