Revision of the South African flexible pavement design method; mechanistic-empirical components

Abstract

The current version of the South African Mechanistic-Empirical Design Method for flexible pavements is based on technology and models developed during the 1970s and 1980s. Given the current level of concern regarding the validity of the results from the method and recent developments that are ready for implementation, it is an appropriate time for the revision of the design method. A framework for the ME-design method, the core components of the process and a number of characteristics desired from the revised method are presented. Resilient response models, the functionality required from the primary pavement response model, material yield strength models and damage models are discussed. The main challenges regarding the implementation and acceptance of the method in practice are listed.