Performance of MEPDG Dynamic Modulus Predictive Models for Asphalt Concrete Mixtures: Local Calibration for Idaho
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 24, Issue 11
Abstract
The mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) is the research version of the newly released DARWin-ME software by AASHTO. MEPDG includes two models for Levels 2 and 3 hot-mix asphalt (HMA) dynamic modulus () predictions. The two models are NCHRP 1-37A and NCHRP 1-40D. The primary difference between the two is the binder stiffness parameter; viscosity or shear modulus. Moreover, MEPDG includes three levels for binder stiffness characterization: viscosity for Level 1 conventional binders, shear modulus for Level 1 superpave binders, and default values for Level 3. The influence of the binder characterization input level on the performance of the MEPDG predictive models is evaluated in this paper. To calibrate the models for Idaho, 27 HMA mixtures commonly used in Idaho were investigated. Results showed that the performance of the investigated models varied based on the temperature and the binder characterization method. The NCHRP1-37A model with MEPDG Level 3 binder inputs yielded the most accurate and least biased estimates. The accuracy of this model was further enhanced by introducing a local calibration factor.
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Acknowledgments
Funding for this study was partially provided by the ITD and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under contract with the National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology (NIATT) at the University of Idaho. Binder testing in DSR was performed at the Idaho Asphalt Laboratory in Boise, Idaho. The authors acknowledge the technical and financial support provided by these organizations.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 24 • Issue 11 • November 2012
Pages: 1412 - 1421
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 20, 2011
Accepted: Mar 16, 2012
Published online: Mar 21, 2012
Published in print: Nov 1, 2012
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