MICH-PAVE: A NONLINEAR FINITE ELEMENT PROGRAM FOR ANALYSIS OF FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS

A nonlinear mechanistic finite element program called MICH-PAVE has been developed for use on personal computers to aid in the analysis and design of flexible pavements. The program has three major features. First, it utilizes a newly developed flexible boundary concept for pavement analysis. Second, it uses performance models for the prediction of fatigue life and rut depth, utilizing results of the mechanistic analysis (stresses, strains, and other pavement variables). Third, it is "user-friendly." The program was developed for the Michigan Department of Transportation and is in the public domain. The methodology used, and the features of the program, are described.