Optimization of Local Calibration Coefficients of AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement Performance Models

The Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) was developed under the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 1-37A as a novel pavement design methodology. The MEPDG evolved into DARWin-ME and, most recently, marketed as the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design. Upon completion of national calibration of MEPDG and Pavement ME Design pavement performance prediction models, it was recommended that state highway agencies (SHAs) also conduct local calibration of the models to fully implement the software in their routine design practices. The accuracy of locally calibrated performance prediction models is dependent upon efficient and scientifically sound calibration and validation processes. A number of previous studies have focused on the local calibration of MEPDG and Pavement ME design jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) performance models, but very few of them have presented their optimization procedure in detail on local calibration considerations. In this study, a detailed review of JPCP transverse cracking prediction model was conducted in consultation with the developers of Pavement ME design software to identify reliable optimization procedure for local calibration. Detailed steps involved in the optimization of local calibration coefficients of the model to match the actual Iowa JPCP transverse cracking measurements are presented. The accuracy of locally calibrated JPCP transverse cracking prediction model for Iowa JPCP systems are discussed along with the optimization approaches in light of future Pavement ME design software updates.