AASHTO FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT

DESIGN PROCEDURE
 AASHTO Flexible Pavement Design -
Development
• AASHO Road Test
– Late 1950’s road test in Illinois, USA
– Objective was to determine the relationship
between the number of load repetitions
with the performance of various pavements
– Provided data for the design criteria
 Performance Measurements
• Establishment of performance criteria is critical
• AASHO Road Test performance based on user assessment
• Difficult to quantify (subjective)
• Highly variable
• Present Serviceability Rating PSR)

• Measurable characteristics (performance indicators):

• Visible distress (cracking & rutting)
• Surface friction
• Roughness (slope variance)
 AASHTO Performance Relations
• Establish correlation between user assessment (ride experience)
and performance indicators (measurable characteristics)

Prese
Present Serviceability Index PSI) How does the true (user)
𝑷𝑺𝑰 = 𝑨𝟎 + 𝑨𝟏 𝑭𝟏 + 𝑨𝟐 𝑭𝟐 + 𝑨𝟑 𝑭𝟑 performance correlate to the
𝐴0 … 𝐴3 = 𝑅𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 measured performance?
𝐹1 = 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠
𝐹2 = 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝐹3 = 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 Calculated the regression
coefficients for the PSI equation
 AASHTO Design Equations
• Performance Requirements and Design Life

• AASHTO performance requirement = ΔPSI

– ΔPSI is such that Δ𝑃𝑆𝐼𝑡 is not reached before the end
of design life
 Performance Relations

? What are the three factors affecting performance (Δ𝑃𝑆𝐼)?

∆𝑃𝑆𝐼 = 𝑓𝑛𝑐𝑡(𝑀𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑓 , 𝑆𝑁, 𝐸𝑆𝐴𝐿)

• 𝑴𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒇 : Accounts for the

𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 environment
• SN: Index relating effectiveness
of pavement structure
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑆𝑁
 Definition of Structural Number
𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂

𝒂 = 𝒇𝒏𝒄(𝑬, 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝑽𝑻)

𝑺𝑵 = 𝑺𝑵𝟏 + 𝑺𝑵𝟐 + 𝑺𝑵𝟑

• Basic Procedure
– Determine the traffic (ESAL)
– Calculate the effective subgrade modulus (𝑀𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑓 )
– Select the performance level (ΔPSI)
– Solve for the required SN needed to protect the
subgrade
 Design Notes
• Different combination of materials &
thicknesses may result in the same SN
• Your job as a designer is to select the most
economical combination, using available
materials and considering:
– Geometry requirements (Cut/Fill)
– Drainage requirements
• AASHTO assumes that pavement structural
layers will not be overstressed:
– Must check that individual layers meet structural
requirements
 Design Inputs
• General Design Variables
• AASHTO Reliability Factor
• Performance Criteria
• Material Properties
• Drainage
• Computation of Required Pavement Thickness
• Other Thickness Considerations
• Cost Considerations
• AASHTO Design Example
Design Inputs – General Design Variables
• Design life
• Material properties
• Traffic
• Reliability
– Degree of certainty that the pavement will last the
design period
– Uncertainty in:
• Traffic prediction
• Performance prediction
• Materials & Construction
Design Inputs – AASHTO Reliability Factor (FR)
• Design life
• Material properties
• Traffic
• Reliability
– Degree of certainty that the pavement will last the
design period
– Uncertainty in:
• Traffic prediction
• Performance prediction
• Materials & Construction
 AASHTO Reliability Factor – FR (cont.)
Adjust traffic for reliability 𝑭𝑹 = 𝒇𝒏𝒄 𝑹, 𝑺𝒐
𝑾𝟏𝟖 = 𝒘𝟏𝟖 𝒙 𝑭𝑹
Where 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
𝑾𝟏𝟖 = 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝑬𝑺𝑨𝑳 𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍 • Traffic variation
𝒘𝟏𝟖 = 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑬𝑺𝑨𝑳 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏 • Performance prediction
variation
• Steps • Materials (Subgrade
– Define functional class (Interstate/Local)
– Select reliability level (R) – Table 11.14
– Select standard deviation (S0)
• Flexible
– No traffic variation S0 = 0.35
– With traffic variation S0 = 0.45
• Rigid
– No traffic variation S0 = 0.25
– With traffic variation S0 = 0.35
 Design Inputs – Performance Criteria
• Design Serviceability Change:
– Δ𝑃𝑆𝐼 = 𝑃𝑆𝐼0 − 𝑃𝑆𝐼𝑡
• 𝑃𝑆𝐼0 = 𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥
–Flexible: 4.2
–Rigid: 4.5
• 𝑃𝑆𝐼𝑡 = 𝑇𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥
–Major highways > 2.5
–Lower volume: 2.0
 Design Inputs – Materials Properties
Effective Material Resilient
Modulus
• Obtain MR value over entire year
• Separate year into time intervals
• Compute the relative damage value
(uf) for each modulus
𝑢𝑓 = 1.18 𝑥 108 𝑥 𝑀𝑅 −2.32
• Compute average uf for entire year
• Determine effective MR using
average uf

𝒖𝒇 = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟖 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟖 𝒙 𝑴𝑹 −𝟐.𝟑𝟐

σ 𝑢𝑓 3.72
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒: 𝑢ത𝑓 = = = 0.31
𝑛 12
Effective Roadbed Soil Resilient modulus MR
(psi) = 0.31 (Corresponds to 𝒖ഥ 𝒇)
 Materials Properties (cont.)
Pavement Structural Layers
• Layer coefficient ai; Hot – Mix Asphalt
relative quality as a
structural unit:
– 2’’ of material with a = 0.2
provides the same
protection as 1’’ material
with a = 0.4
• Initially layer coefficients
were derived from AASHO
road test results; have
subsequently been • AASHTO does not require test
related to resilient to determine HMA modulus;
usually assume aHMA = 0.44
modulus
 Pavement Structural Layers (cont.)
Untreated and Stabilized Bases
• Can estimate the base layer coefficient from Figure 7.15 for
– Untreated base
– Bituminous-treated base
– Cement-treated base
• For untreated base can also use the following (instead of
interpolating from the figure):
– 𝑎2 = 0.249 𝑥 log 𝐸2 − 0.977

Granular Sub-base
• Can estimate the sub-base layer coefficient from Figure 7.16
• Can also use the following (instead of interpolating from the
figure):
– 𝑎2 = 0.227 𝑥 log 𝐸3 − 0.839
 Design Inputs - Drainage
• AASHTO Guide provides means to adjust layer coefficients
depending on the effectiveness of the drainage
• Define quality of drainage of each layer based upon:
– Time required for drainage
– Percent time moisture levels approach saturation
• Determine drainage modifying factor m) from Table 11.20
– 𝑆𝑁𝑖 = 𝑎𝑖 𝑥 𝐷𝑖 𝑥 𝑚𝑖
 Computation of Required Pavement Thickness
Basic Approach
• Determine the required SN for design traffic
• Identify trial designs that meet required SN
Nomograph to Solve for SN
 Computation of Required Pavement
Thickness (cont.)
Solving the equation

𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝑾𝟏𝟖 = 𝒁𝑹 − 𝑺𝟎 + 𝟗. 𝟑𝟔. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝑺𝑵 + 𝟏 − 𝟎. 𝟐

𝑷𝑺𝑰
𝐥𝐨𝐠
𝟒. 𝟐 − 𝟏. 𝟓
+ + 𝟐. 𝟑𝟐. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝑴𝑹 − 𝟖. 𝟎𝟕
𝟏𝟎𝟗𝟒
𝟎. 𝟒 +
𝑺𝑵 + 𝟏 𝟓.𝟏𝟗

• Declare the known variables – W18, ZR, S0, PSI & MR

• Give an initial estimate for the SN
• Allow the equation solver (Matlab, Maple, Mathcad, Excel,
etc.) to iterate for the solution
Computation of Required Pavement Thickness (cont.)
Pavement Structural Layers
𝑺𝑵 = 𝒂𝟏 𝑫𝟏 + 𝒂𝟐 𝑫𝟐 𝒎𝟐 + 𝒂𝟑 𝑫𝟑 𝒎𝟑 + ⋯
• No Unique Solution! Many design configurations will meet the
SN
• Optimize the design; consider the following:
– Design constraints – drainage, minimum thickness, available material
– Construction constraints – minimum layer thickness
– Economics
Layered Design Analysis
• Nomograph determines the SN required to protect the subgrade
• However, each structural layer must be protected against
overstressing
• Procedure developed using AASHTO design nomograph
– Determine the SN required to protect each layer by entering the nomograph
using the MR of the layer in question
Computation of Required Pavement Thickness (cont.)
• First we need to protect the subgrade, use the nomograph
to get SN needed to provide adequate protection
• BUT, have to protect each layer from overstressing; need to
get required SN (level of protection) for each layer
• Only top (AC) layer does not need protection
– For example Base needs SN1 protection. BUT, 𝑆𝑁1 = 𝑎1 𝐷1
𝑺𝑵𝟏
So, 𝑫𝟏 =
𝒂𝟏
Computation of Required Pavement Thickness (cont.)
General Procedure
• Using E2, as the MR value determine from Figure 11.25 the
structural number SN1 required to protect the base and
compute the thickness of layer 1 by
𝑺𝑵𝟏
𝑫𝟏 =
𝒂𝟏
• Using E3, as the MR value, determine from Figure 11.25 the
structural number SN2 required to protect the subbase and
compute the thickness of layer 2 by
𝑺𝑵𝟐 − 𝒂𝟏 𝑫𝟏 ∗
𝑫𝟐 ≥
𝒂 𝟐 𝒎𝟐

• Based on the roadbed soil resilient modulus MReff, determine

from Figure 11.25 the structural number SN3 required and
compute the thickness of layer 3 by
𝑺𝑵𝟑 − 𝒂𝟏 𝑫𝟏 ∗ − 𝒂𝟐 𝑫𝟐 ∗ 𝒎𝟐
𝑫𝟑 ≥
𝒂𝟑 𝒎𝟑
 Other Thickness Considerations
AASHTO Suggested Minimums

Construction/Stability
• Layer must be thick enough to act as a unit
– Thickness' > 2 x (Maximum Aggregate Size)
 Cost Considerations
• Consider
– Different combination of materials
– Cost of materials 𝟎. 𝟒
= 𝟑. 𝟏𝟐
– Cost of excavation (cut areas) 𝟎. 𝟏𝟔 𝒙 𝟎. 𝟖𝟎

• Express cost as a unit contribution to SN

• Maximize crushed stone thickness – minimize

AC thickness
• Use gravel only for fill or frost
 AASHTO Design Example 1
Given:
• Reliability = 90%
• Overall Standard
Deviation = 0.35
• W18 = 10 Million
• Design Serviceability
Loss = 2.0

Work Example on the Board

 AASHTO Design Example 2
Given:
• Reliability = 90%
• Performance Period = 20 years
• Overall Standard Deviation = 0.45
• w18 = 5.26 Million
• Design Serviceability Loss = 2.0
 AASHTO Design Example 2
Construct Material Information Table

Next Step is to Fill the Information

 AASHTO Design Example 2 (cont.)
Asphalt Concrete Structural Coefficient (a) – Figure 7.13

(a) Surface Course

 AASHTO Design Example 2 (cont.)
Bituminous-treated Base Structural Coefficient (a) –
Figure 7.15

(b) Bituminous Treated

 AASHTO Design Example 2 (cont.)
Cement-Stabilized Base Structural Coefficient (a) – Figure
7.15

(c) Cement Treated

 AASHTO Design Example 2 (cont.)
Crushed Stone Base Structural Coefficient (a) – Figure
7.15

(a) Untreated
 AASHTO Design Example 2 (cont.)
Crushed Stone Subbase Structural Coefficient (a) – Figure
7.16

(e) Crushed Stone Subbase

 AASHTO Design Example 2 (cont.)

? Are There any Obvious Conclusions

 AASHTO Design Example 3
Design the pavement for an expressway consisting of an
asphalt concrete surface, a crushed-stone base, and a
granular subbase using the 1993 AASHTO design chart. The
cumulative ESAL in the design lane for a design period of 15
years is 7 x 106. The area has good quality drainage with 10%
of the time the moisture level is approaching saturation. The
effective roadbed soil resilient modulus is 7 ksi, the subbase
has a CBR value of 80, the resilient modulus of the base is 40
ksi, and the resilient modulus of asphalt concrete is 4.5 x 105
psi. Assume a reliability level of 95% and S0 of 0.45.
 AASHTO Design Example 3 - Solution
• Step 1
• Reliability (R) = 95% (Given)
• Step 2
• Overall Standard Deviation (S0) = 0.45 (Given)
• Step 3
• W18 = 7 x 106 (Given)
• Step 4
• Effective road-bed soil resilient modulus = 7 ksi
(Given)
 AASHTO Design Example 3 – Solution…
• Step 5
• Resilient modulus of subbase = 20 ksi (Figure)
• Resilient modulus of base = 40 ksi (Given)
• Resilient modulus of asphalt concrete surface
= 450 ksi (Given)
• Step 6
• Assume initial serviceability index (p0) = 4.6
• Assume terminal serviceability index (pt) = 3.0
• ΔPSI = 4.6 – 3.0 = 1.6
 AASHTO Design Example 3 – Solution…
• Step 5
• Resilient modulus of subbase = 20 ksi (Figure)
• Resilient modulus of base = 40 ksi (Given)
• Resilient modulus of asphalt concrete surface
= 450 ksi (Given)
• Step 6
• Assume initial serviceability index (p0) = 4.6
• Assume terminal serviceability index (pt) = 3.0
• ΔPSI = 4.6 – 3.0 = 1.6
 AASHTO Design Example 3 – Solution…
• Step 7
– SN3 =5.2 (Using Figure and Subgrade MR of 7 ksi)
– SN2 = 3.5 (Using Figure and Subbase MR of 20 ksi)
– SN1 = 2.7 (Using Figure and Base MR of 40 ksi)
• Step 8
– a3 = 0.14
– a2 = 0.17
– a1 = 0.44
• Step 9
– Drainage coefficients = m2 = m3 = 1.1 (Table)
 AASHTO Design Example 3 – Solution…
• Step 10
2.7
– 2.7 ≤ 0.44𝐷1 𝐷1 ≥ 𝑫𝟏 = 𝟔. 𝟏 𝒊𝒏 (𝑹𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝟔. 𝟓 𝒊𝒏)
0.44
– 3.5 ≤ 0.44𝑥6.5 + 0.17 𝑥 𝐷2 𝑥 1.1
3.5 − 0.44 𝑥 6.5
𝐷2 ≥
0.17 𝑥 1.1
𝑫𝟐 = 𝟑. 𝟒 𝒊𝒏 𝑼𝒔𝒆 𝒂 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝟔. 𝟎 𝒊𝒏
−𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞
– 5.2 ≤ 0.44𝑥6.5 + 0.17 𝑥 6 𝑥 1.1 + 0.14 𝑥 𝐷3 𝑥 1.1
5.2 − 0.44 𝑥 6.5 − 0.17 𝑥 6 𝑥 1.1
𝐷3 ≥
0.14 𝑥 1.1
𝑫𝟐 = 𝟕. 𝟗 𝒊𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝟖. 𝟎 𝒊𝒏
• Therefore,
– D1 = 6.5 in.
– D2 = 6 in.
– D3 = 8 in.
Correlation Charts for Estimating Resilient
Modulus of Bases (Van Til et al., 1972)
Correlation Charts for Estimating Resilient
Modulus of Bases (Van Til et al., 1972)...
Correlation Charts for Estimating Resilient
Modulus of Bases (Van Til et al., 1972)...
Correlation Charts for Estimating Resilient
Modulus of Subbases (Van Til et al., 1972)