A summary of performance measures and associated models used to characterize pavement condition is presented in Table 2. Descriptions of each model presented in Table 2 are presented in the following sections.
| Pavement Type | Distress Type/Smoothness | Unit of Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) | Transverse "slab" cracking | Percent slabs cracked |
| Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) | Mean transverse joint faulting | inches |
| Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) | Transverse joint spalling | percent joints spalled |
| Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) | Smoothness (IRI) | in/mi |
| New asphalt pavement | Alligator cracking | Percent lane area |
| New asphalt pavement | Rutting | inches |
| New asphalt pavement | Transverse cracking | ft/mi |
| New asphalt pavement | Smoothness | in/mi |
| Asphalt concrete (AC) over JPCP | Reflection transverse cracking | percent lane area with reflection cracking |
Where
CRK = predicted percent slabs cracked
ESALs = cumulative number of 18-kip equivalent single axle load (see section on estimating equivalent single-axle loads, or ESALs)
AGE = pavement age in years
LB_AGE = age at which the Portland cement concrete (PCC) slab debonds from the base (see PHT Tool default data tables)
LN(Δ) = γ1 *(EdgeSup) + γ2*EPCC + γ3*JTSP + γ4*PCC_COMP + γ5*PCCTHK + γ6*SUBGCOAR + γ7*CLIMWF+ γ8*CLIMWNF + γ9*CLIMDNF (6)
A description of the coefficient and input variables used for computing the natural log of Δ is presented in Table 3.
| JPCP Transverse Cracking Model Coefficient | Coefficient Value | Description of Cracking Model Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| γ1 | 0.1424 | EdgeSup (Edge support), 1 if a tied PCC shoulder or widened slab (slab width > 12 ft) is used, otherwise 0 | HPMS program (Lane_Width & Shoulder_Type) |
| γ2 | - 3.36E-7 | EPCC = 28-day PCC slab elastic modulus in psi | PHT Tool default data tables |
| γ3 | - 0.0571 | JTSP = JPCP joint spacing or slab length in feet | HPMS program (Joint_Spacing) |
| γ4 | 0.000188 | PCC_COMP = 28-day PCC compressive strength in psi | PHT Tool default data tables |
| γ5 | 0.0598 | PCCTHK = PCC slab thickness in inches | HPMS program (Thickness_Rigid)* |
| γ6 | 0.2951 | SUBGCOAR = 1 if subgrade soil type is coarse grained, otherwise 0 | HPMS program (Soil_Type) |
| γ7 | 0.1323 | CLIMWF = 1 if pavement is located in a wet-freeze climate, otherwise 0 | HPMS program (Climate_Zone) |
| γ8 | 0.2443 | CLIMWNF = 1 if pavement is located in a wet-no-freeze climate, otherwise 0 | HPMS program (Climate_Zone) |
| γ9 | 0.7636 | CLIMDNF = 1 if pavement is located in a dry-no-freeze climate, otherwise 0 | HPMS program (Climate_Zone) |
*Also available in HPMS Estimates table.
PFAULT =
(ESALS0.521)*(1 - 0.6413*DowDia)*( -9.01E-06*ATB
- 9.50E-06*CTB + 0.000013*(1-EdgeSup) + 1.44E-08*FI
+ 3.68E-06*JTSP + 0.000014*WET - 4.91E-06*PCCTHK - 9.36E-06*SubgCoar) (7)
A description of input variables used for faulting is presented in Table 4.
Where
SPALL = predicted percentage joints spalled (medium- and high-severities)
AGE = pavement age since construction or reconstruction, years
SCF = scaling factor based on site-, design-, and climate-related variables:
SCF = -1400 + 350 * AIR% * (0.5 + PREFORM) + 43.4 f'c ^ 0.4 - 0.2 (FTCYC * AGE) + 43 hPCC - 536 WC_Ratio (9)
A description of input variables used for computing SCF is presented in Table 5.
| Description of Faulting Model Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|
| PFAULT = predicted mean transverse joint faulting, in | — |
| ESALs = cumulative number of 18-kip equivalent single axle load | see Section on estimating ESALs |
| DowDia = dowel diameter, in | HPMS program (Dowel_Bar) & PHT Tool default data tables |
| ATB = 1 if base type is asphalt treated material, otherwise 0 | HPMS program (Base_Type)* |
| CTB = 1 if base type is cement treated material, otherwise 0, for CTB = 1 | HPMS program (Base_Type)* |
| EdgeSup (Edge support) = 1 if a tied PCC shoulder or widened slab (slab width > 12 ft) is used, otherwise 0 | HPMS program (Lane_Width & Shoulder_Type) |
| FI = freezing index, deg F days | PHT Tool default data tables |
| JTSP = JPCP joint spacing or slab length in feet | HPMS program (Joint_Spacing) |
| WET= 1 if climate is "Wet-Freeze" or "Wet-Nofreeze," otherwise 0 | HPMS program (Climate_Zone) |
| PCCTHK = PCC slab thickness in inches | HPMS program (Thickness_Rigid)* |
| SUBGCOAR = 1 if subgrade soil type is coarse grained, otherwise 0 | HPMS program (Soil_Type) |
*Also available in HPMS Estimates table.
| Description of Spalling Model Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|
| AIR% =PCC air content, percent | PHT Tool default data tables |
| AGE = time since last construction or reconstruction, years | HPMS program (Year_Last_Improvement OR Year_Last_Construction) |
| PREFORM =1 if preformed sealant is present; 0 if not | PHT Tool default data tables |
| f'c =PCC 28-day compressive strength, psi | PHT Tool default data tables |
| FTCYC = average annual number of air freeze-thaw cycles | PHT Tool default data tables |
| hPCC = PCC slab thickness, in | HPMS program (Thickness_Rigid)* |
| WC_Ratio = PCC water/cement ratio (by weight) | PHT Tool default data tables |
*Also available in HPMS Estimates table.
IRI = IRII + 0. 8203*CRK + 0.4417*SPALL + 0.4929*TFAULT + 25.24*SF (10)
Where
SF = Site factor = AGE (1+0.5556*FI) (1+P200)*10-6
A description of input variables used for computing IRI is presented in Table 6.
| Description of IRI Model Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|
| IRI = predicted IRI, in/mi | |
| IRII = initial IRI, in/mi | Assume MEPDG default of 63.4 in/mi OR assume HPMS program IRI corresponding to Year_Last_Improvement OR Year_Last_Construction |
| CRK = percent slabs with transverse cracks | See equation 4 |
| SPALL = percentage of joints with spalling (medium and high severities) | See equation 8 |
| TFAULT= Total joint faulting cumulated per mi, in | See equation 7 |
| AGE = pavement age since construction or reconstruction, years | HPMS program (Year_Last_Improvement OR Year_Last_Construction) |
| FI = mean annual freezing index, °F-days | PHT Tool default data tables |
| P200 = percent subgrade material passing No. 200 sieve | PHT Tool default data tables |
* Also available in HPMS Estimates table.
The first step in computing flexible pavement distress and IRI is to estimate critical strains within the hot mix asphalt (HMA), base, and subgrade layers as described in the following sections.
Table 7 describes the input variables used for computing HMA Dynamic Modulus. The input variables and the steps involved in estimating aged HMA binder viscosity and loading frequency of loading are presented below.
| Description of HMA Dynamic Modulus Equation Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|
| E*= HMA dynamic modulus, psi | See equation 11 |
| ηt,z = aged HMA binder viscosity at time t, and depth z, MPoise | See equation 18 |
| f = pavement layer loading frequency, Hz | See equation 13 |
| Va = as-constructed HMA mix air void content, percent | PHT Tool default data tables |
| Vbeff = effective as-constructed HMA mix bitumen content, percent by volume | PHT Tool default data tables |
| ρ34 = cumulative percent retained on the 3/4 in sieve for the HMA mix | PHT Tool default data tables |
| ρ38= cumulative percent retained on the 3/8 in sieve for the HMA mix | PHT Tool default data tables |
| ρ4 = cumulative percent retained on the No. 4 sieve for the HMA mix | PHT Tool default data tables |
| ρ200 = percent passing the No. 200 sieve for the HMA mix | PHT Tool default data tables |
A. Input variables for estimating aged HMA binder viscosity (at time t and depth z) (input to HMA dynamic modulus model)
Step 1: Compute unaged HMA binder viscosity (at a reference temperature of 77° F) using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) viscosity temperature relationship below:
loglogηorig = A + VTSlogTR (12)
A description of the input variables used for computing unaged HMA binder viscosity is presented in Table 8.
| Description of Unaged HMA Binder Viscosity Equation Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|
| ηorig = unaged HMA binder viscosity (at reference temperature 77 °F), cP | See equation 12 |
| TR = temperature, Rankine (reference temperature is 77 °F, convert to Rankine) | — |
| A = regression intercept * | PHT Tool default data tables |
| VTS = regression slope of viscosity temperature susceptibility | PHT Tool default data tables |
*See Tables 51 and 52 in "Guidelines for Implementing the new MEPDG Pavement Equations." Battelle and ARA. Draft Final report submitted to FHWA Office of Policy. May 2010.
Step 2: Compute HMA binder viscosity at placement as follows:
loglog(ηt=0)=a0 + a1 loglog(ηorig)
a0 = 0.054405 + 0.004082 × code
a1 = 0.972035 + 0.010886 × code (13)
A description of input variables used for computing HMA binder viscosity at placements presented in Table 9.
| Description of HMA Binder Viscosity at Placement Equation Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|
| ηt=0 = HMA binder viscosity at placement, cP | — |
| ηorig = unaged HMA binder viscosity, cP | See equation 10 |
| code = hardening ratio (0, representing average conditions is recommended) | Placement Hardening Resistance / Expected Hardening Ratio Values / Code Value Excellent to Good / HR ≤ 1.030 / -1 Average / 1.030 < HR ≤ 1.075 / 0 Fair / 1.075 < HR ≤ 1.100 / 1 Poor / HR > 1.100 / 2 |
Step 3: Compute HMA binder viscosity at any given pavement age (at the HMA surface) described as follows:
where
A = -0.004166+1.41213(C)+(C)log(MAAT)+(D)loglogηt=0)
B = 0.197725+0.068384log(C)
C = 10(274.4946-193.831 log(TR)+33.9366 log(TR)2
D = -14.5521+10.47662 log(TR) -1.88161 log(TR)2
A description of input variables used for computing HMA binder viscosity at any given pavement age (at the HMA surface) is presented in Table 10.
| Description of HMA Binder Viscosity at Any Age Equation Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|
| ηaged = aged viscosity at HMA surface, cP | See equation 14 |
| ηt=0 = HMA binder viscosity at placement, cP | See equation 13 |
| MAAT = mean annual air temperature, °F | PHT Tool default data tables |
| TR = pavement surface temperature in Rankine | PHT Tool default data tables |
| t = time in months (pavement age in months) | HPMS program (Year_Last_Improvement OR Year_Last_Construction) |
Step 4: Adjust aged viscosity at HMA surface (ηaged) for changes in HMA air voids as follows:
loglog(ηaged)´ = Fvloglog(ηaged) (15)
A description of input variables used for adjusting aged viscosity at HMA surface (ηaged) for changes in HMA air voids is presented in Table 11.
| Description of Input Variables for Adjusting Aged Viscosity at HMA Surface (ηaged) for Changes in HMA Air Voids Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|
| VAorig = HMA air voids at placement HMA, percent | PHT Tool default data tables |
| MAAT = mean annual air temperature, °F | PHT Tool default data tables |
| ηorig = unaged HMA binder viscosity (at reference temperature, 77 °F), cP | See equation 10 |
| t = time in months (pavement age in months) | HPMS program (Year_Last_Improvement OR Year_Last_Construction) |
Step 5: Compute HMA viscosity at a given age and depth within the HMA layer as follows:
A description of input variables used for computing HMA viscosity at a given age and depth within the HMA layer is presented in Table 12.
| Description of Input Variables for Computing HMA Viscosity at a Given Age and Depth Within the HMA Layer Input Variables | Source |
|---|---|
| ηt,z = HMA binder viscosity at time t, and depth z, MPoise | See equation 18 |
| (ηaged)' = HMA binder viscosity (aged viscosity at HMA surface adjusted for changes in HMA air voids), MPoise | See equation 15 |
| z = depth within HMA layer of interest, in | Determined based on critical response location (see Table 13) |
| E = 23.83e(-0.0308 MAAT) | — |
| MAAT = mean annual air temperature, °F | PHT Tool default data tables |
| New Equation | Critical Location (Depth) |
|---|---|
| Rutting | Middle of the HMA layer |
| Transverse cracking | 0.5-in |
| Alligator cracking | Bottom of HMA layer |
B. Input variables for estimating frequency of loading (input to HMA dynamic modulus model)
Frequency of loading is determined as follows:
A description of the variables used for computing frequency of loading is presented in Table 14.
| Description of Input Variables for Frequency of Loading | Source |
|---|---|
| Vs = travel speed | HPMS program (Speed_Limit) |
| Leff = effective length, ft = 2(ac + Ζeff) |
— |
| ac = radius of tire contact area | Assume 6-in |
Zeff = effective depth, in = ![]() |
— |
| di = critical location (depth) within HMA layer for which frequency is being calculated | See Table 13 |
| EHMA = HMA modulus, psi | Assume typical value of 1,000,000 psi |
| Mr = subgrade resilient modulus, psi | PHT Tool default data tables |
A description of input variables required by the equations for computing critical strains is presented in Table 15.
| Description of Input Variables Required by the Equations for Computing Critical Strains | Source |
|---|---|
| hAC = HMA thickness, in | HPMS program (Thickness_Flexible)** |
| E* = HMA dynamic modulus, psi () | See Equation 9 |
| hB = base layer thickness | HPMS program (Base_Thickness)** |
| EB = base layer modulus, psi | HPMS program (Base_Type) and PHT Tool default data tables** |
| ESUBG = subgrade layer modulus | HPMS program (Soil_Type) and PHT Tool default data tables** |
**Also available in HPMS Estimates table.
Use the inputs assembled to compute critical strain within the pavement structure as needed using the closed-form equations presented in Table 16.
| Model Input Variables/Clusters | Model Coefficients Equation 20 Horizontal Tensile Strain at the Bottom of HMA Layer |
Model Coefficients Equation 21 Vertical Strain at the Middle of HMA Layer |
Model Coefficients Equation 22 Vertical Strain at the Middle of Base Layer |
Model Coefficients Equation 23 Vertical Strain at the Top of Subgrade Layer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercept | 0.007706079 | -0.010539965 | -0.013753501 | -0.005714644 |
| hAC | -0.000875072 | 0.000580293 | 0.001795503 | 0.000670647 |
| E* | -0.000371346 | 0.001475217 | 0.000590472 | 0.000206993 |
| hB | -0.000160482 | -8.95177E-05 | 0.000696071 | 0.000481929 |
| EB | -0.000541586 | -3.38384E-05 | 0.001059805 | 3.15126E-05 |
| ESUBG | -5.93918E-05 | -8.15273E-05 | -3.35863E-05 | 0.000518046 |
| hAC* hAC | 0.00001224 | 3.81811E-05 | -4.18585E-05 | -9.8384E-06 |
| hAC *E* | 1.64491E-05 | -5.76145E-05 | -0.000026373 | -5.7542E-06 |
| (E*)*(E*) | 8.595E-07 | -5.06666E-05 | -2.9108E-06 | -1.0728E-06 |
| hAC *hB | 8.3575E-06 | 7.7843E-06 | -6.06075E-05 | -4.32508E-05 |
| hB *E* | 2.5259E-06 | 6.1704E-06 | -2.25257E-05 | -1.30924E-05 |
| hB*hB | 6.1914E-06 | -7.451E-07 | 1.6373E-06 | -1.4025E-06 |
| hAC *EB | 4.17036E-05 | 2.4867E-06 | -8.40397E-05 | -6.8449E-06 |
| EB*E* | 2.34109E-05 | 3.4547E-06 | -3.06634E-05 | -1.8974E-06 |
| hB*EB | 1.5431E-06 | -2.6824E-06 | -1.68535E-05 | 3.5859E-06 |
| EB*EB | 2.8965E-06 | -5.528E-07 | -1.74637E-05 | 1.4018E-06 |
| hAC *ESUBG | 1.1711E-06 | 0.000005491 | 7.128E-07 | -3.41892E-05 |
| ESUBG*E* | -3.461E-07 | 4.4916E-06 | 5.702E-07 | -1.04126E-05 |
| hB*ESUBG | 5.5404E-06 | 0.000002114 | -1.8562E-06 | -2.26448E-05 |
| EB*ESUBG | 3.2144E-06 | -1.213E-07 | 5.3833E-06 | -3.1661E-06 |
| ESUBG*ESUBG | 3.526E-07 | 9.21E-08 | -2.1207E-06 | -0.000009591 |
NOTES: For Equation 18, if the estimated tensile strain is less than 0, set tensile strain to 0.000001.
For Equations 19, 20 and 21, if the vertical compressive strain is greater than 0, set vertical compressive strain to 0.000001, otherwise vertical compressive strain = estimated value * -1.
A description of the variables required by the alligator cracking model is presented in Table 17.
| Description of Input Variables Required by the Alligator Cracking Model | Source |
|---|---|
| ACRK = alligator cracking, percent lane area | — |
| k = total number of months in analysis period | — |
FDAM = fatigue at the bottom of the HMA layer ![]() |
— |
| MESAL = total 18-kip ESALs for each given month | See section on estimating traffic |
Nf = allowable number of 18-kip ESALs applications ![]() |
— |
![]() |
— |
| hAC = HMA thickness, in | HPMS program (Thickness_Flexible)** |
| C = 10M | — |
![]() |
— |
| Va = HMA mix as-constructed air voids, percent | PHT Tool default data tables |
| Vb = HMA mix effective as-constructed placed volumetric binder content | PHT Tool default data tables |
| β1 = 1.2 | — |
| β2 = 1.0672 | — |
| E* = HMA dynamic modulus, psi () | See Equation 11 |
| εt = tensile strain at the bottom of the HMA layer | See Equation 20 |
**Also available in HPMS Estimates table.
TRUT = ACRUT + BASERUT + SUBGRUT (25)
Where
TRUT = total pavement rutting, in
ACRUT = rutting in the HMA layer, in
BASERUT = rutting in the base layer, in
= 4.4833*εvBASE*hB*CESAL0.1307 (27)
SUBGRUT = rutting in the subgrade layer, in
A description of input variables required by the rutting model is presented in Table 18.
| Description of Input Variables Required by the Rutting Model | Source |
|---|---|
| MAAT = mean annual air temperature, °F | PHT Tool default data tables |
| k = total number of months in analysis period | — |
| MESAL = total 18-kip ESALs for each given month | See section on estimating traffic |
| εvHMA = vertical strain in the middle of the HMA layer | See Equation 21 |
| εvBASE = vertical strain in the middle of the BASE layer | See Equation 22 (use representative εvBASE for the entire analysis period) |
| hB = base layer thickness | HPMS program (Base_Thickness)** |
| CESAL = total 18-kip ESALs for entire analysis period | See section on estimating traffic |
| εvSUBG = vertical strain in the top 12 in. of the subgrade | See Equation 22 (use representative εvSUBG for the entire analysis period) |
| PRECIP = mean annual precipitation or rainfall | PHT Tool default data tables |
| FI = mean annual freezing index, °F days | PHT Tool default data tables |
| β = 0.7*10(-0.61119-0.017638Wc) | — |
| ρ = 10(0.622685 + 0.541524Wc) | — |
![]() |
— |
Wc = soil moisture content![]() |
— |
GWT = depth to ground water table ![]() |
PHT Tool default data tables (typical range is 5 to 40 ft |
| Mr = subgrade resilient modulus at optimum moisture content, psi | PHT Tool default data tables |
**Also available in HPMS Estimates table.
Where
TCRK = number of transverse cracks per mile
AGE = pavement age in years
FACTOR = 1472.2 + 3.167*HHMA - 879.8*loglogη - 16.98*Va - 3.385*PCT¾ - 0.25*FTCYC (30)
A description of input variables required to compute FACTOR is presented in Table 19.
| Description of Input Variables Required to Compute Factor | Source |
|---|---|
| hAC = HMA thickness, in | HPMS program (Thickness_Flexible)** |
| ηaged = aged viscosity at HMA surface, cP | See Equation 12 |
| Va = HMA mix as-constructed air voids, percent | PHT Tool default data tables |
| PCT3/4 = percent passing 3/4 in sieve for the HMA mix | PHT Tool default data tables |
| FTCYC = mean annual air freeze-thaw cycles | PHT Tool default data tables |
**Also available in HPMS Estimates table.
IRI = INI_IRI + 40.0*MRUT + 0.4*CRACK + 0.008*TRANS_CK + 0.015*SF (31)
Where
INI_IRI = initial IRI, in/mi (use MEPDG default of 63.4 in/mi)
MRUT = total rutting, in (see Equation 25)
CRACK = alligator cracking, percent lane area (see Equation 18)
TRANS_CK = transverse cracking, ft/mile (see Equation 29)
SF = FROSTH + SWELLP*AGE1.5
FROSTH = LN([PRECIP+1]*FINES*[FI+1])
SWELLP = LN([PRECIP+1]*CLAY*[PI+1])
A description of the variables to compute FROSTH and SWELLP are presented in Table 20.
| Description of Input Variables Required to Compute FROSTH and SWELLP | Source |
|---|---|
| FINES = FSAND + SILT | |
| AGE = pavement age since construction or reconstruction, years | HPMS program (Year_Last_Improvement OR Year_Last_Construction) |
| PI = subgrade soil plasticity index | |
| PRECIP = mean annual precipitation or rainfall | PHT Tool default data tables |
| FI = mean annual freezing index, °F days | PHT Tool default data tables |
| FSAND = amount of fine sand particles in subgrade (percent of particles with sizes between 0.074 and 0.42 mm) | PHT Tool default data tables |
| SILT= amount of silt particles in subgrade (percent of particles with sizes between 0.074 and 0.002 mm) | PHT Tool default data tables |
| CLAY = amount of clay size particles in subgrade (percent of particles less than 0.002 mm) | PHT Tool default data tables |
*Also available in HPMS Estimates table.
Where
RCRK = percent of cracks reflected, percent area of reflection cracking assumes a reflected crack width of 1ft.
AGE = pavement age (years after asphalt overlay placement, see HPMS program)
a = 3.5+0.75*Heff
b = -0.688 - 3.373*Heff - 0.9154
c = 1.0
Heff = HHMA - 1 (for JPCP with good joint load transfer efficiency, i.e., faulting < 0.03 in)
Heff = HHMA - 3 (for JPCP with poor joint load transfer efficiency, i.e., faulting ≥ 0.03 in)
HHMA = asphalt layer thickness (see PHT Tool default data tables)
The values of the reflective cracking model parameters d are presented in Table 21.
| Effective Asphalt Overlay Thickness, in | Delay Cracking by 2 yrs (Recommended for High Type Pavements) | Accelerate Cracking by 2 yrs (Recommended for Other Pavements Types) |
|---|---|---|
| < 4 | 0.6 | 3.0 |
| 4 to 6 | 0.7 | 1.7 |
| > 6 | 0.8 | 1.4 |
*The following functional classed are classified as high-type: Interstates and principal arterials (e.g., U.S. highways, expressways, and freeways). Local routes and state highways (e.g., minor arterial, minor and major collectors, and local roadways are mostly classified as other.
The IRI prediction model adopted from the MEPDG is as follows:
IRI = INI_IRI + 40.8*MRUT + 0.575*CRACK + 0.0014*TRANS_CK + 0.00825*SF (33)
All variables are as already defined. Note that TRANS_CK includes all reflection cracking (transverse joints & transverse cracks) from the existing jointed concrete pavement and HMA transverse cracking.