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DESCRIPTION:
This course presents the theory and application of the most comprehensive, up-to-date mechanistic design concepts. The general framework of the mechanistic-empirical design procedure and the individual components are discussed in detail. The course includes several hands-on exercises pertaining to materials characterization, structural response calculations, pavement performance prediction, and mechanistic-empirical pavement design. These exercises use real-world problems and exercises that enhance future application of this design methodology. Some of the exercises involve computations using public-domain pavement software and simple spreadsheet-based programs, and all are customized to each course based on project data provided by the host agency. The course also discusses ongoing research and the effects that current research activities might have on the state of the practice. Throughout the class, particular emphasis is placed on the mechanistic-empirical design concepts used in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (NCHRP Project 1-37A) and those that form the foundation of the Superpave pavement performance prediction models. The course will include detailed discussions about the data needs (materials, traffic, environment, etc.) for local/regional calibration of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide and what steps agencies should begin to take before the guide is adopted and used on a day-to-day basis for design. The sponsoring agency must provide 15 computers with the following minimum requirements: Intel Pentium Processor, 8 MB RAM, 50 MB hard disk space, CD-ROM drive, Windows 95/NT 4.0 (or later version), VGA graphics card, and Microsoft Excel 5.0 (or later version). Some of the requirements are flexible and are a function of the software typically used in the class. Additional details can be obtained from NHI. OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:- List advantages of using M-E design
- Calculate structural responses for flexible, rigid, and overlaid pavements
- List major inputs to a mechanistic design procedure and how to obtain them
- Explain sensitivity of layer thickness, material properties, joint spacing, etc., to structural responses
- Back calculate layer moduli for flexible pavements
- Explain how layer thickness, material properties, joint spacing, etc., affect pavement distresses
- Construct a flowchart/outline for M-E design of flexible, rigid, and overlaid pavements
TARGET AUDIENCE:
Pavement design engineers, materials engineers, and pavement management practitioners from government transportation agencies and the paving industry, and design consultants. |
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The National Highway Institute (NHI) has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102. In obtaining this approval, NHI has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standards which are widely recognized as standards of good practice internationally. As a result of their Authorized Provider membership status, NHI is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standards.
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