James A. Crovetti, Ph.D.
Transportation Research Center
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Marquette University
PO Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881

The objectives of this study are to characterize the materials used to construct the HMA perpetual pavement and to analyze the collected pavement response data to investigate the interactions between materials, environment, and traffic loadings. This study will require a detailed examination of the predictive equations and sub-routines which are part of the mechanistic-empirical design procedures developed under NCHRP Project 1-37A to determine how well these reflect the actual response measures. The conclusions of this study should provide guidance for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to perform mechanistic-empirical pavement designs which are validated for local conditions.

The design and construction of perpetual pavements across the United States is gaining momentum as limited owner/agency budgets are facilitating longer lasting highways systems. The perpetual pavement design concept also provides an improved opportunity for asset management as this design concept represent an improved “life” cycle cost basis over traditional pavement designs. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recently constructed their first perpetual pavement in the highly urbanized area of Milwaukee at the Marquette Interchange. Concurrent with the construction of this perpetual pavement was highly advanced instrumentation of the pavement system collecting climatic, loading characteristics, and loading responses. The instrumentation combined with additional characterization of materials used to construct this perpetual pavement represents a unique opportunity to evaluate the newly completed Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide and provide for local calibration of the guide to Wisconsin conditions.

Task 1: Literature Review

Task 2: Laboratory Testing

Task 3: Database Analysis

Task 4: Performance Predictions

Task 5: Final Report

16 months; project end 8/31/08