Computers and Concrete

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Evaluating the performance AASHTOWare's mechanistic-empirical approach for roller-compacted concrete roadways

  • Emin Sengun (Department of Civil Engineering, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University)
  • Received : 2023.10.11
  • Accepted : 2024.02.29
  • Published : 2024.04.25
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Abstract

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recommended the use of AASHTOWare Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design (PMED) software for Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) pavement design, but specific calibration for RCC is missing. This study investigates the software's capacity to predict the long-term performance of RCC roadways within the framework of conventional concrete pavement calibration. By reanalyzing existing RCC projects in several U.S. states: Colorado, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas, and Illinois, the study highlights the need for specific calibration tailored to the unique characteristics of RCC. Field observations have emphasized occurrence of early distresses in RCC pavements, particularly transverse-cracking and joint-related issues. Despite data challenges, the AASHTOWare PMED software exhibits notable correlation between its long-term predictions and actual field performance in RCC roadways. This study stresses that RCC applications with insufficient joint spacing and thickness are prone to premature cracking. To enhance the accuracy of RCC pavement design, it is essential to discuss the inclusion of RCC as a dedicated rigid pavement option in AASHTOWare PMED. This becomes particularly crucial when the rising popularity of RCC roadways in the U.S. and Canada is considered. Such an inclusion would solidify RCC as a viable third option alongside Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements (JPCP) and Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements (CRCP) for design and deployment of rigid pavements. The research presents a roadmap for future calibration endeavors and advocates for the integration of RCC pavement as a distinct pavement type within the software. This approach holds promise for achieving more precise RCC pavement design and performance predictions.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The paper was prepared under the research project - TUBITAK 2219, "Investigation of Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E) Design Methods for Rigid Pavements (1059B192000563)" sponsored by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, and conducted at the Iowa State University. The author would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Halil Ceylan, Professor of CCEE at Iowa State University, and Dr. Sunghway Kim, Research Scientist at Iowa State University, for their invaluable support and guidance throughout this study. The author would also like to express gratitude to the "RCC Pavement Council" (special thanks are extended to Mr. Fares Abdo and Mr. Cory Zollinger) for supporting this study. The author would also like to express his appreciation to Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University and Iowa State University for their generous support that made this research possible.

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