INCORPORATION OF THE 1986 AASHTO GUIDE INTO THE CONCRETE PAVEMENT DESIGN GUIDELINES OF THE TEXAS SDHPT

Abstract

This study explores the incorporation of the 1986 AASHTO Guide for the Design of Pavement Structures into the concrete pavement design guidelines of the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation (Texas SDHPT). Recognizing the limitations of the 1981 AASHTO Guide, which failed to account for critical variables such as the significant rainfall differences across Texas and the need for computer-based design equations, the Texas SDHPT sought to update its design procedures. The paper outlines the design parameters adopted from the 1986 Guide, emphasizing the enhanced reliability for high-traffic areas and the consideration of positive drainage impacts. Design examples for urban and rural freeway expansions, as well as highway intersections and arterial street improvements, demonstrate the practical application of the revised guidelines. The comparison of pavement designs generated using both the 1981 and 1986 AASHTO Guides with the new recommendations reveals the improved accuracy and consistency of the 1986 Guide when supplemented with specific Texas SDHPT recommendations. The study concludes that the 1986 AASHTO Guide, augmented with Texas-specific inputs, offers a more reliable and adaptable framework for concrete pavement design across diverse environmental conditions and traffic demands. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)