Data collection to support implementation of the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide for county roads

Evaluation and calibration of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) has been attempted by various agencies throughout the United States. Agencies interested in adopting the MEPDG procedure must prepare a practical implementation plan that fits local conditions. The first step in the implementation plan is collection of design input data and establishment of a database for inputs. A 3-year study was conducted at Arizona State University to establish a database to support MEPDG implementation for the Maricopa County, Arizona, Department of Transportation. The implementation program included testing of asphalt binders, hot-mix asphalt dynamic modulus, and unbound-materials resilient modulus; development of climatic weather stations and training material; and collection of traffic data. The collected information can be used to calibrate the MEPDG distress models to county conditions and verify such models. The input parameters can serve as a framework for similar highway agencies and help ensure the successful implementation of the MEPDG.