The current version of the South African Mechanistic –Empirical Design Method for flexible pavements is based on technology and models developed during the 1970’s and 1980’s. 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.
Reference:
Theyse, HL, Maina, JW and Kannemeyer, L. 2007. Revision of the South African flexible pavement design method; mechanistic-empirical components. 9th Conference on asphalt pavements for Southern Africa (CAPSA), proceedings, Gaborone, Botswana, September 2-5, 2007, pp 256-292
Theyse, H., Maina, J., & Kannemeyer, L. (2007). Revision of the South African flexible pavement design method; mechanistic-empirical components. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1323
Theyse, HL, JW Maina, and L Kannemeyer. "Revision of the South African flexible pavement design method; mechanistic-empirical components." (2007): http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1323
Theyse H, Maina J, Kannemeyer L, Revision of the South African flexible pavement design method; mechanistic-empirical components; 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1323 .