Improved prediction models for PCC pavement performance-related specifications. Volume 1 : Final report Hoerner, TE et al
Publication details: McLean, VA Federal Highway Administration, 2000; Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, ; U.S. Department of Transportation, ; ERES Consultants, Description: 223 sSubject(s): Online resources: Abstract: The current performance-related specifications (PRS) methodology has been under development by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for several years and has now reached a level at which it can be implemented by State highway agencies. PRS for highway pavements depend heavily on performance prediction models to determine the impact of varying levels of construction quality. This study focused on the improvement of the key distress and smoothness prediction models used in the PRS for jointed plain concrete pavement (PCP). Performance models for transverse joint faulting, transverse slab cracking, transverse joint spalling, and smoothness (International Roughness Index ['RI]) were evaluated and then improved substantially. This was accomplished using a comprehensive national database of JPCP performance data, along with sound statistical and engineering techniques. Performance model calibration guidelines were also developed so that a State can calibrate any of these models specifically to its pavement performance data. The PaveSpec PRS demonstration software was upgraded to Version 3.0 under this study. Some of the specific improvements incorporated in PaveSpec 3.0 include: 1) incorporation of the improved distress indicator models, as well as the ability to calibrate or modify the default models, 2) sensitivity analysis capibilities, 3) expected pay charts, and 4) online help. Appendix A of this report contains a complete updated PaveSpec User's Guide.The current performance-related specifications (PRS) methodology has been under development by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for several years and has now reached a level at which it can be implemented by State highway agencies. PRS for highway pavements depend heavily on performance prediction models to determine the impact of varying levels of construction quality. This study focused on the improvement of the key distress and smoothness prediction models used in the PRS for jointed plain concrete pavement (PCP). Performance models for transverse joint faulting, transverse slab cracking, transverse joint spalling, and smoothness (International Roughness Index ['RI]) were evaluated and then improved substantially. This was accomplished using a comprehensive national database of JPCP performance data, along with sound statistical and engineering techniques. Performance model calibration guidelines were also developed so that a State can calibrate any of these models specifically to its pavement performance data. The PaveSpec PRS demonstration software was upgraded to Version 3.0 under this study. Some of the specific improvements incorporated in PaveSpec 3.0 include: 1) incorporation of the improved distress indicator models, as well as the ability to calibrate or modify the default models, 2) sensitivity analysis capibilities, 3) expected pay charts, and 4) online help. Appendix A of this report contains a complete updated PaveSpec User's Guide.