Flexible Pavement Design Example
The reliability level to be used is based on the functional classification of the pavement
Solution using nomograph
Nomograph Solution (continued)
Selection of Layer Thicknesses
Minimum Recommended Thicknesses for Surface and Base Layers
Chart for estimation of a1 for asphalt concrete
Chart for estimation of base layer coefficient (a2) based on strength parameters
Chart for estimation of subbase layer coefficient (a3) based on strength parameters
Recommended mi values for modifying layer coefficients of untreated base and subbase materials
Assume that the following pavement materials are to be used:
Asphalt concrete: EAC = 400,000 psi, a1 = 0.42 Granular base: EBS = 30,000 psi, a2 =0.14 Granular subbase: ESB = 11,000 psi, a3= 0.08 Assume drainage coefficients, m2 = m3 = 0.9 Procedure for determining thicknesses of layers using a layered analysis approach
Determine the required SN1 and SN2 (using the elastic modulus of the base and subbase as subgrade modulus)
Computation of layer thicknesses
SN1 = 2.7 D*1 = SN1 /a1 = 2.7 / 0.42 = 6.4 inches Use D*1 = 7 inches SN*1 = 0.42 X 7 = 2.94 SN2 = 3.8 D*2 = (SN2 SN*1) / m2 a2 = (3.8 2.94) / (0.9 X 0.14) = 6.8 inches Use D*2 = 7 inches SN*2 = 0.14 X 7 X 0.9 = 0.88
Computation of required subbase thickness:
SN3 =5 D*3 = (SN3 SN*1 - SN*2)/ (m3 a3) = (5 2.94 0.88) / ( 0.9 X 0.08) = 16.4 inches Use D*3 = 17 inches
Summary of Design
Asphalt Concrete Granular Base Granular Subbase 7 inches 7 inches 17 inches