Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide Flexible Pavement Performance Prediction Models for Montana--Volume I Executive Research Summary

The objective of this research study was to develop performance characteristics or variables (e.g., ride quality, rutting, fatigue cracking, transverse cracking) of flexible pavements in Montana, and to use these characteristics in the implementation of the distress prediction models or transfer functions included in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) software that was developed under NCHRP Project 1-37A. Reliable distress prediction models will enable the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to use Mechanistic-Empirical (ME) based principles for flexible pavement design and in managing their highway network. The work conducted within this study included using the MEPDG software to develop local calibration factors in the use of that software for Montana climate, structures, and materials for flexible pavements. The report is comprised of three volumes: Volume I – Executive Research Summary; Volume II – Reference Manual (which includes Selection of Distress Prediction Models, Traffic Characterization and Analyses, and Database for Calibration of ME Distress Prediction Models); and Volume III – Field Guide – Calibration and User’s Guide for the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide.