Guidelines for Implementing NCHRP 1-37A M-E Design Procedures in Ohio : Volume 3 -- Sensitivity Analysis

The new Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (NCHRP 1-37A and 1-40D) is based on fundamental engineering principles and is far more comprehensive than the current empirical AASHTO Design Guide developed for conditions more than 40 years previous. The implementation process will require a number of years and additional resources for staffing, obtaining inputs (e.g., new equipment), and training. The benefits of implementation are very significant and range from achieving more cost effective and reliable designs, to lower initial and life cycle costs to the agency, to reduced highway user impact due to lane closures for maintenance and rehabilitation of pavements. This report addresses a key aspect of the implementation process that is identification of the most significant inputs based on current Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) design and material specifications and Ohio site conditions (traffic, climate, subgrade). Identification of the most significant inputs was done by performing a comprehensive sensitivity analysis. Practical recommendations are made for each input studied. The results presented in this report, Volume 3 of four volumes, are part of the first phase of a process to implement the new design guide in Ohio.