Rigid Pavement Design
Rigid Pavement Design
Note 2: Due to different monitor, EXCEL, and fonts capabilities on different computers, the text on some of the
sheets may be truncated. It may be necessary to unprotect the sheet and resize some of the columns.
Note 3: This spreadsheet needs to be copied to the hard drive to be used. It cannot be run off a floppy drive.
Note 4: Figures accompanying the text are scanned into the spreadsheet. For clarity of these figures it may be
useful to print these pages and use the printed figures.
l The general information section requests information about the agency. This
information is not required for the analysis, but the information entered here
may be displayed on the "Results" sheet.
k-Value Information
Page 1
k-Value Information
l A traffic calculation should be performed before the first run. This will result in
a more appropriate slab thickness for the seasonal k-value computation.
l After all the design information has been entered, clicking on the "Calculate" button
displays the design thickness at the bottom of the Input Form.
The above calculation is performed in the "Calculation Sheet" sheet. The "Calculation Sheet"
also provides the design traffic for slab thicknesses varying from 7 in to 15 inches, in increments
of 0.5 in. The next row is not locked, to enable the user to change any variable and
observe its effects on the design traffic. The last row is locked and represents the thickness
for the traffic and other inputs provided by the user in the Input Form.
l Sensitivity analysis can also be performed from the Input Form. A desired thickness
can be input, or the calculated thickness for the input design variable can be imported.
The sensitivity analysis produces a graph on a sheet labeled "Sensitivity (Other)."
The sensitivity for thickness vs. traffic is created automatically on the
"Sensitivity (Thickness)" sheet.
The actual data for the sensitivity analysis is contained in a sheet called "Sensitivity Sheet;"
this sheet is hidden.
l The Input Form also contains a link to the "Faulting Check" sheet for JRCP and
JPCP. For CRCP, the "Faulting Check" sheet and the "Corner Break Check" sheet
remain hidden.
l Red dots or flags at the top right corners of cells indicate that a note is attached to that cell.
This note can be read by moving the mouse over that cell.
NOTE: This spreadsheet was created in Excel95. Due to compatibility problems with Excel97,
the larger notes are partially cut off (because Excel97 displays notes with fixed sizes as default).
To see the entire note, a macro is written in this spreadsheet to change the size of notes
that are bigger than the comment box (The notes in Excel97 are now called comments).
However, the user must run this macro by pressing "ctrl+j" each time the spreadsheet is
opened in Excel97. This command does not affect spreadsheets in Excel95.
l Certain cells are locked to prevent accidental erasure. Cells can only be locked when the
sheet is also protected, so some sheets are protected. To unprotect a sheet, go to Tools
on the menu, select Protection and select Unprotect Sheet. This creates the potential
for accidental erasure, so it is useful to keep the sheet protected. To reprotect the
sheet, select Tools, Protection, Protect Sheet and select OK without entering a password.
The workbook should not be protected because some of the Excel basic programs (macros)
need the workbook to be unprotected to be executed.
For the same reason, the "Sensitivity Sheet" (which is hidden) and the "Saved Data"
sheet should not be protected. Hidden sheets can be viewed by using Format, Sheet, Unhide,
or Edit, Sheet, Unhide from the menu.
l For jointed pavements, the Input Form links to the "Faulting Check" sheet. All cells
need to be input in this sheet. The cells that do not need to be input are hidden using
the outlining ("+") at the left of the sheet. To observe the values at this location, the sheet has
to be unprotected and the "+" clicked.
Each time a cell value is changed, the "Calculate" button needs to be clicked to calculate
faulting, which is displayed at the bottom of the sheet. This is then compared with the criteria
set at the bottom of the sheet to "PASS" or "FAIL" the design.
The criteria can be changed by changing the values in the criteria table.
l The doweled and nondoweled sheets are designed independent of each other to provide
the user control over the individual design. For example, the user may decide to provide
edgedrains for the nondoweled design, which will change the drainage coefficient, Cd.
l While making a one-on-one comparison between the faulting check for the doweled and
nondoweled designs, the user needs to ensure that all values are comparable.
l Corner break checks need to be performed only for nondoweled pavements. This sheet
Page 2
can be accessed by clicking on the "Corner Break Check" button.
Table 14. Modulus of elasticity and coefficient of friction for various base types.
Table 15. Mean annual temperature, precipitation, and wind speed for selected U.S. cities.
Page 4
GEORGIA Atlantic City 53.1 41.9 10.1 Salt Lake City 51.7 15.3 8.8
Atlanta 61.2 48.6 9.1 NEW MEXICO VERMONT
Augusta 63.2 43.1 6.5 Albuquerque 56.2 8.1 9.0 Burlington 44.1 33.7 8.8
Macon 64.7 44.9 7.7 NEW YORK VIRGINIA
Savannah 65.9 49.7 7.9 Albany 47.3 35.7 8.9 Norfolk 59.5 45.2 10.6
HAWAII Buffalo 47.6 37.5 12.1 Richmond 57.7 44.1 7.6
Hilo 73.6 128.2 7.1 New York City 54.5 44.1 12.1 Roanoke 56.1 39.2 8.2
Honolulu 77.0 23.5 11.5 Rochester 47.9 31.3 9.7 WASHINGTON
IDAHO Syracuse 47.7 39.1 9.7 Olympia 49.6 51.0 6.7
Boise 51.1 11.7 8.8 NORTH CAROLINA Seattle 52.7 38.8 9.0
Pocatello 46.6 10.9 10.2 Charlotte 60.0 43.2 7.5 Spokane 47.2 16.7 8.8
ILLINOIS Greensboro 57.9 42.5 7.5 WEST VIRGINIA
Chicago 49.2 33.3 10.2 Raleigh 59.0 41.8 7.8 Charleston 54.8 42.4 6.4
Peoria 50.4 34.9 10.1 Wilmington 63.4 53.4 8.8 Huntington 55.2 40.7 6.5
Springfield 52.6 33.8 11.3 NORTH DAKOTA WISCONSIN
INDIANA Bismarck 41.3 15.4 10.3 Green Bay 43.6 28.0 10.1
Evansville 55.7 41.6 8.2 Fargo 40.5 19.6 12.4 Madison 45.2 30.8 9.8
Fort Wayne 49.7 34.4 10.1 OHIO Milwaukee 46.1 30.9 11.6
Indianapolis 52.1 39.1 9.6 Akron-Canton 49.5 35.9 9.8 WYOMING
South Bend 49.4 38.2 10.4 Cleveland 49.6 35.4 10.7 Casper 45.2 11.4 13.0
IOWA Columbus 51.7 37.0 8.7 Cheyenne 45.7 13.3 12.9
Des Moines 49.7 30.8 10.9 Dayton 51.9 34.7 10.1
Sioux City 48.4 25.4 11.0 Youngstown 48.3 37.3 10.0
Waterloo 46.1 33.1 10.7
°C =(°F - 32)/1.8, 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 mph = 1.61 km/h Source: National Climatic Data Center, 1986
Page 5
Rigid Pavement Design - Based on AASHTO Supplemental Guide
Reference: LTPP DATA ANALYSIS - Phase I: Validation of Guidelines for k-Value Selection and Concrete
Pavement Performance Prediction
I. General Information
Location: SS
II. Design
JPCP
Initial Serviceability, P1: 4.5 Joint Spacing:
Terminal Serviceability, P2: 2.5
JRCP
10.0 ft
PCC Properties
CRCP
28-day Mean Modulus of Rupture, (S'c)': 640 psi JPCP
Elastic Modulus of Slab, Ec: 4,260,000 psi
Poisson's Ratio for Concrete, m: 0.15 Effective Joint Spacing: 120 in
Reliability and Standard Deviation 2-ft widened slab w/conventional 12-ft traffic lane
Subgrade k-Value
Elastic Modulus (Base) Base Thickness
Faulting Check
Rigid Pavement Design - Based on AASHTO Supplemental Guide
Reference: LTPP DATA ANALYSIS - Phase I: Validation of Guidelines for k-Value Selection and Concrete
Pavement Performance Prediction
Input Form
Results
Project # 0 Save Data
Description: Orden de Malta Tramo II
Location: SS
Temperature Differential
Traffic
Faulting
Doweled
Dowel Diameter in
Drainage Coefficient
Nondoweled
Drainage Coefficient
7.0 1.30 120 0.94 23.50 1.10 -1.94 0.68 0.47 -0.17
7.5 1.63 120 0.94 24.75 1.10 -1.94 0.69 0.44 -0.16
8.0 2.07 120 0.94 25.98 1.09 -1.94 0.70 0.42 -0.15
8.5 2.63 120 0.94 27.19 1.08 -1.94 0.71 0.40 -0.14
9.0 3.34 120 0.94 28.38 1.08 -1.94 0.72 0.39 -0.13
9.5 4.24 120 0.94 29.55 1.07 -1.94 0.73 0.37 -0.13
10.0 5.35 120 0.94 30.71 1.07 -1.94 0.74 0.36 -0.12
10.5 6.73 120 0.94 31.86 1.06 -1.94 0.75 0.35 -0.11
11.0 8.42 120 0.94 32.99 1.05 -1.94 0.76 0.33 -0.11
11.5 10.47 120 0.94 34.11 1.05 -1.94 0.77 0.32 -0.10
12.0 12.95 120 0.94 35.21 1.04 -1.94 0.78 0.31 -0.10
12.5 15.93 120 0.94 36.31 1.03 -1.94 0.78 0.30 -0.10
13.0 19.48 120 0.94 37.39 1.03 -1.94 0.79 0.29 -0.09
13.5 23.70 120 0.94 38.47 1.02 -1.94 0.80 0.29 -0.09
14.0 28.67 120 0.94 39.53 1.02 -1.94 0.81 0.28 -0.09
14.5 34.52 120 0.94 40.58 1.01 -1.94 0.81 0.27 -0.08
15.0 41.37 120 0.94 41.63 1.00 -1.94 0.82 0.26 -0.08
11.00 8.42 120 0.94 32.99 1.05 -1.94 0.76 0.33 -0.11
10.35 6.30 120 0.94 31.53 1.06 -1.94 0.75 0.35 -0.12
Page 8
Calculation Sheet
0.08 -0.10 -0.30 -1.28 0.0527 12.46 204.8 351.9 180 1.00
0.08 -0.10 -0.27 -1.26 0.0553 12.96 190.2 336.8 180 1.00
0.07 -0.10 -0.24 -1.24 0.0577 13.39 176.8 321.3 180 1.00
0.07 -0.11 -0.22 -1.22 0.0597 13.78 164.5 305.8 180 1.00
0.07 -0.11 -0.20 -1.21 0.0616 14.12 153.3 290.6 180 1.00
0.07 -0.11 -0.19 -1.20 0.0633 14.42 143.2 275.9 180 1.00
0.06 -0.11 -0.17 -1.19 0.0648 14.70 133.9 261.9 180 1.00
0.06 -0.12 -0.16 -1.18 0.0662 14.95 125.5 248.6 180 1.00
0.06 -0.12 -0.15 -1.17 0.0674 15.17 117.8 236.0 180 1.00
0.06 -0.12 -0.14 -1.16 0.0686 15.38 110.8 224.1 180 1.00
0.05 -0.12 -0.13 -1.16 0.0697 15.57 104.4 212.9 180 1.00
0.05 -0.13 -0.12 -1.15 0.0707 15.74 98.6 202.4 180 1.00
0.05 -0.13 -0.12 -1.15 0.0716 15.90 93.2 192.5 180 1.00
0.05 -0.13 -0.11 -1.14 0.0725 16.05 88.2 183.3 180 1.00
0.05 -0.13 -0.11 -1.13 0.0733 16.19 83.6 174.6 180 1.00
0.05 -0.14 -0.10 -1.13 0.0741 16.32 79.4 166.4 180 1.00
0.05 -0.14 -0.10 -1.13 0.0748 16.44 75.5 158.7 180 1.00
0.06 -0.12 -0.15 -1.17 0.0674 15.17 117.8 236.0 180 1.00
0.06 -0.12 -0.17 -1.18 0.0658 14.88 127.9 252.4 180 1.00
Page 9
Calculation Sheet
32.65 1.10 -1.94 0.49 0.51 -0.17 0.09 -0.18 -0.23 -1.44
34.39 1.10 -1.94 0.50 0.48 -0.16 0.09 -0.19 -0.21 -1.44
36.09 1.09 -1.94 0.51 0.46 -0.15 0.08 -0.20 -0.19 -1.43
37.77 1.08 -1.94 0.51 0.44 -0.14 0.08 -0.20 -0.17 -1.43
39.43 1.08 -1.94 0.52 0.42 -0.13 0.08 -0.21 -0.16 -1.43
41.06 1.07 -1.94 0.53 0.40 -0.13 0.07 -0.21 -0.15 -1.43
42.67 1.07 -1.94 0.53 0.39 -0.12 0.07 -0.22 -0.14 -1.43
44.26 1.06 -1.94 0.54 0.37 -0.11 0.07 -0.22 -0.13 -1.43
45.83 1.05 -1.94 0.55 0.36 -0.11 0.07 -0.23 -0.12 -1.43
47.38 1.05 -1.94 0.55 0.35 -0.10 0.06 -0.23 -0.11 -1.43
48.92 1.04 -1.94 0.56 0.34 -0.10 0.06 -0.24 -0.10 -1.43
50.44 1.03 -1.94 0.56 0.33 -0.10 0.06 -0.24 -0.10 -1.43
51.95 1.03 -1.94 0.57 0.32 -0.09 0.06 -0.25 -0.09 -1.43
53.44 1.02 -1.94 0.58 0.31 -0.09 0.06 -0.25 -0.09 -1.43
54.92 1.02 -1.94 0.58 0.30 -0.08 0.05 -0.26 -0.08 -1.43
56.38 1.01 -1.94 0.59 0.29 -0.08 0.05 -0.26 -0.08 -1.43
57.83 1.00 -1.94 0.59 0.29 -0.08 0.05 -0.27 -0.07 -1.44
45.83 1.05 -1.94 0.55 0.36 -0.11 0.07 -0.23 -0.12 -1.43
43.80 1.06 -1.94 0.54 0.38 -0.11 0.07 -0.22 -0.13 -1.43
Page 10
Calculation Sheet
b TD sl st L1 L2 log R G Y log W
o
F psi psi kips
Page 11
Calculation Sheet
Page 12
Sensitivity Analysis (Modulus of Rupture)
140.0
120.0
100.0
Design Traffic, MESALs
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0
400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200
Modulus of Rupture, psi
Sensitivity Analysis (Thickness)
100
Design Traffic, MESALs
10
1
7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0
Slab Thickness, in
Faulting
DOWELED PAVEMENT NONDOWELED PAVEMENT
Dowel Diameter: in
Kd: 1,500,000 psi/in ###
Es: 29,000,000 psi ###
Recommended critical mean joint faulting levels for design (Table 28)
Step 1:
Results
Step 2:
Use one or more of the following charts to estimate the tensile stress at top of slab.
Note that the charts show the variation of tensile stress with negative temperature differential
for slab thicknesses ranging from 7 to 13 in. These are plotted for a base course thickness
of 6 in. The six charts represent three k-values (100, 250 and 500 psi/in) and two values for the
elastic modulus of the base (25,000 psi and 1,000,000 psi). Use judgment to
extrapolate the value of the tensile stress at the top of the slab from these charts.
Step 3:
Compare the above tensile stress with the maximum tensile stress at the bottom of the slab for
which the slab is designed. For the given inputs and the above thickness, this value is
252 psi
NOTE: The k-value used in this design procedure is not a composite k, as in the original AASHTO
design procedure. The k-value to be input in the "Input Form" and in the "Seasonal k-Value" sheet
is the actual subgrade soil modulus of subgrade reaction.
The k-value input required for this design method is determined using the following steps:
Step 1. Select a subgrade soil k-value for each season, using any of the three following methods:
(a) Correlations with soil type and other soil properties or tests.
(b) Deflection testing and backcalculation (recommended).
(c) Plate bearing tests.
Detailed information for Step 1 is included below.
Step 2. The "Seasonal k-Value" Sheet can then be used to determine a seasonally adjusted
effective k-value.
Step 3. This seasonally adjusted effective k-value can then be adjusted for the effects of
a shallow rigid layer, if present, or an embankment above the natural subgrade using the
"Fill/Rigid Adjustment" sheet.
Method A -- Correlations. Guidelines are presented for selecting an appropriate k-value based
on soil classification, moisture level, density, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), or Dynamic Cone
Penetrometer (DCP) data. These correlation methods are anticipated to be used routinely for
design. The k-values obtained from soil type or tests correlation methods may need to be
adjusted for embankment above the subgrade or a shallow rigid layer beneath the subgrade.
The k-values and correlations for cohesive soils (A-4 through A-7): The bearing capacity of
cohesive soils is strongly influenced by their degree of saturation (Sr, percent), which is a function
3
of water content (w, percent), dry density (g, lb/ft ), and specific gravity (Gs):
Recommended k-values for each fine-grained soil type as a function of degree of saturation are
shown in Figure 40. Each line represents the middle of a range of reasonable values for k. For
any given soil type and degree of saturation, the range of values is about + 40 psi/in [11 kPa/mm].
A reasonable lower limit for k at 100 percent saturation is considered to be 25 psi/in [7 kPa/mm ].
Thus, for example, an A-6 soil might be expected to exhibit k-values between about 180 and 260
psi/in [49 and 70 kPa/mm] at 50 percent saturation, and k-values between about 25 and 85 psi/in
[7 and 23 kPa/mm] at 100 percent saturation.
Two different types of materials can be classified as A-4: predominantly silty materials (at least 75
percent passing the #200 sieve, possibly organic), and mixtures of silt, sand, and gravel (up to 64
3
percent retained on #200 sieve). The former may have a density between about 90 and 105 lb/ft
3
[1442 and 1682 kg/m ], and a CBR between about 4 and 8. The latter may have a density
3 3
between about 100 and 125 lb/ft [1602 and 2002 kg/m ], and a CBR between about 5 and 15.
The line labeled A-4 in Figure B-4 is more representative of the former group. If the material in
question is A-4, but possesses the properties of the stronger subset of materials in the A-4 class,
a higher k-value at any given degree of saturation (for example, along the line labeled A-7-6 in
Figure 40) is appropriate.
3
percent retained on #200 sieve). The former may have a density between about 90 and 105 lb/ft
3
[1442 and 1682 kg/m ], and a CBR between about 4 and 8. The latter may have a density
3 3
between about 100 and 125 lb/ft [1602 and 2002 kg/m ], and a CBR between about 5 and 15.
The line labeled A-4 in Figure B-4 is more representative of the former group. If the material in
question is A-4, but possesses the properties of the stronger subset of materials in the A-4 class,
a higher k-value at any given degree of saturation (for example, along the line labeled A-7-6 in
Figure 40) is appropriate.
Recommended k-value ranges for fine-grained soils, along with typical ranges of dry density and
CBR for each soil type, are summarized in Table 11.
The k -values and correlations for cohesionless soils (A-1 and A-3): The bearing capacity of
cohesionless materials is fairly insensitive to moisture variation and is predominantly a function of
their void ratio and overall stress state. Recommended k-value ranges for cohesionless soils,
along with typical ranges of dry density and CBR for each soil type, are summarized in Table 11.
Figure 40. The k-value versus degree of saturation for cohesive soils
Coarse-grained Soils:
Fine-grained Soils:
The k-values and correlations for A-2 soils: Soils in the A-2 class are all granular materials
falling between A-1 and A-3. Although it is difficult to predict the behavior of such a wide variety of
materials, the available data indicate that in terms of bearing capacity, A-2 materials behave
similarly to cohesionless materials of comparable density. Recommended k-value ranges for A-2
soils, along with typical ranges of dry density and CBR for each soil type, are summarized in
Table 11.
Correlation of k-value to California Bearing Ratio: Figure 41 illustrates the approximate range
of k-values that might be expected for a soil with a given CBR.
Assignment of k-values to seasons. Among the factors that should be considered in selecting
seasonal k-values are the seasonal movement of the water table, seasonal precipitation levels,
winter frost depths, number of freeze-thaw cycles, and the extent to which the subgrade will be
protected from frost by embankment material. A "frozen" k may not be appropriate for winter,
even in a cold climate, if the frost will not reach and remain in a substantial thickness of the
subgrade throughout the winter. If it is anticipated that a substantial depth (e.g., three feet or
more) of the subgrade will be frozen, a k-value of 500 psi/in [135 kPa/mm] would be an
appropriate "frozen" k.
The seasonal variation in degree of saturation is difficult to predict, but in locations where a water
table is constantly present at a depth of less than about 10 ft [3 m], it is reasonable to expect that
fine-grained subgrades will remain at least 70 to 90 percent saturated, and may be completely
saturated for substantial periods in the spring. County soil reports can provide data on the
position of the high-water table (i.e., the typical depth to the water table at the time of the year that
it is at its highest). Unfortunately, county soil reports do not provide data on the variation in depth
to the water table throughout the year.
Method B — Deflection Testing and Backcalculation Methods. These methods are suitable
for determining k-value for design of overlays of existing pavements, for design of a reconstructed
pavement on existing alignments, or for design of similar pavements in the same general location
on the same type of subgrade. An agency may also use backcalculation methods to develop
correlations between nondestructive deflection testing results and subgrade types and properties.
Cut and fill sections are likely to yield different k-values. No embankment or rigid layer adjustment
is required for backcalculated k-values if these characteristics are similar for the pavement being
tested and the pavement being designed, but backcalculated dynamic k-values do need to be
reduced by a factor of two to estimate a static elastic k-value for use in design which is required in
this catalog.
An appropriate design subgrade elastic k-value for use as an input to this design method is
determined by the following steps:
These steps are described below, with the relevant equations for bare concrete and composite
7. Compute the mean backcalculated subgrade k-value for all of the deflection basins
considered.
8. Compute the estimated mean static k-value for use in design for the specific season during
the testing.
9. Determine the effective seasonally adjusted elastic k-value considering the factors discussed
above.
These steps are described below, with the relevant equations for bare concrete and composite
(asphalt concrete over concrete slab) pavements given for each step.
Measure deflections. Measure slab deflection basins along the project at an interval sufficient to
adequately assess conditions. Intervals of 100 to 1000 ft [30 to 300 m] are typical. Measure
deflections with sensors located at 0, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 60 in [0, 203, 305, 457, 610, 915, and
1524 mm] from the center of the load. Measure deflections in the outer wheel path. A heavy-load
deflection device (e.g., Falling Weight Deflectometer) and a load magnitude of 9,000 lbf [40 kN]
are recommended. ASTM D4694 and D4695 provide additional guidance on deflection testing.
Compute AREA. For a bare concrete pavement, compute the AREA7 of each deflection basin
d8 d d d d d
AREA7 = 4 + 6 + 5 12 + 6 18 + 9 24 + 18 36 + 12 60 [26]
d0 d0 d0 d0 d0 d0
For a composite pavement, compute the AREA5 of each deflection basin using the following
d 18 d d d
AREA 5 = 3 + 6 + 9 24 + 18 36 + 12 60
d 12 d 12 d 12 d 12 [27]
equation:
Estimate l assuming an infinite slab size. The radius of relative stiffness for a bare
concrete pavement (assuming an infinite slab) may be estimated using the following equation:
2.566
60 AREA7
ln 289.708
est =
[28]
- 0.698
The radius of relative stiffness for a composite pavement (assuming an infinite slab) may be
2.220
48 AREA5
ln 158.40
The radius of relative stiffness for a composite pavement (assuming an infinite slab) may be
2.220
48 AREA5
ln 158.40
est =
[29]
- 0.476
P d *0
k est =
d 0 est [30]
2
* -0.14707 e -0.07565est
d 0 = 0.1245 e [31]
P d *12
k est = [32]
d 12 est
2
For a composite pavement, compute an initial estimate of the k-value using the following equation:
d12 = deflection measured 12 in [305 mm] from center of load plate, inch
lest = estimated radius of relative stiffness, in, from previous step
*
d12 = nondimensional coefficient of deflection 12 in [305 mm] from center of load plate:
Compute adjustment factors for d0 and l for finite slab size. For both bare concrete and
composite pavements, the initial estimate of l is used to compute the following adjustment factors
0.80151
L
-0.71878
AF d 0 = 1 - 1.15085e est [34]
[33]
1.04831
L
-0.61662
AF = 1 - 0.89434 e est
0.80151
L
-0.71878
AF d 0 = 1 - 1.15085e est [34]
[33]
1.04831
L
AF = 1 - 0.89434 e
-0.61662
est [35]
where, if the slab length is less than or equal to twice the slab width, L is the square root of the
product of the slab length and width, both in inches, or if the slab length is greater than twice the
if Ll 2 * L w , L = Ll L w
[36]
if Ll > 2 * L w , L = 2 * Ll
width, L is the product of the square root of two and the slab length in inches:
Adjust k for finite slab size. For both bare concrete and composite pavements, adjust the
k est
k= 2
AF AF d 0
[37]
Compute mean dynamic k-value. Exclude from the calculation of the mean k-value any
unrealistic values (i.e., less than 50 psi/in [14 kPa/mm] or greater than 1500 psi/in [407 kPa/mm]),
as well as any individual values that appear to be significantly out of line with the rest of the
values.
Compute the estimated mean static k-value for design. Divide the mean dynamic k-value by
two to estimate the mean static k-value for design.
A blank worksheet for computation of k from deflection data and example computations of k from
deflection basins measured on two pavements, one bare concrete and the other composite, are
given in Table 12.
Table
Table A2. Determination of design subgrade k-value from deflection measurements.
12.
d0 ______________ 0.00418
d8 ______________ 0.00398
d12 ______________ 0.00384
d18 ______________ 0.00361
d24 ______________ 0.00336
BARE CONCRETE PAVEMENT
d0 ______________ 0.00418
d8 ______________ 0.00398
d12 ______________ 0.00384
d18 ______________ 0.00361
d24 ______________ 0.00336
d36 ______________ 0.00288
d60 ______________ 0.00205
Afd 0
[34] 0.867
AFl [35] 0.934
COMPOSITE PAVEMENT
Afd 0
[34] 0.823
AFl [35] 0.896
Method C -- Plate Bearing Test Methods. The subgrade or embankment elastic k-value may
be determined from either of two types of plate bearing tests: repetitive static plate loading
(AASHTO T221, ASTM D1195) or nonrepetitive static plate loading (AASHTO T222, ASTM
D1196). These test methods were developed for a variety of purposes, and do not provide explicit
guidance on the determination of the required k-value input to the design procedure described
Method C -- Plate Bearing Test Methods. The subgrade or embankment elastic k-value may
be determined from either of two types of plate bearing tests: repetitive static plate loading
(AASHTO T221, ASTM D1195) or nonrepetitive static plate loading (AASHTO T222, ASTM
D1196). These test methods were developed for a variety of purposes, and do not provide explicit
guidance on the determination of the required k-value input to the design procedure described
here.
For the purpose of concrete pavement design, the recommended subgrade input parameter is
the static elastic k-value. This may be determined from either a repetitive or nonrepetitive test on
the prepared subgrade or on a prepared test embankment, provided that the embankment is at
least 10 ft [3 m] thick. Otherwise, the tests should be conducted on the subgrade, and the k-value
obtained should be adjusted to account for the thickness and density of the embankment, using
the nomograph provided in Step 3.
In a repetitive test, the elastic k-value is determined from the ratio of load to elastic
deformation (the recoverable portion of the total deformation measured). In a nonrepetitive test,
the load-deformation ratio at a deformation of 0.05 in [1.25 mm] is considered to represent the
elastic k-value, according to extensive research by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Note also that a 30-in-diameter [762-mm-diameter] plate should be used to determine the
elastic static k-value for use in design. Smaller diameter plates will yield substantially higher k-
values, which are not appropriate for use in this design procedure. An adequate number of tests
should be run to ensure coverage over the project length. The mean of the tests becomes the
static elastic k-value for the season of testing. This value is then used to determine the effective
seasonally adjusted elastic k-value considering the factors discussed above.
Season Number of Months Subgrade k-Value, W18, Relative Damage
psi/in millions in the Season
21.72 0.0000
19.19 0.0000
23.12 0.0000
22.31 0.0000
CALCULATE
W18:
The seasonally adjusted subgrade k-value is to be adjusted using the following nomograph if:
(a) fill material will be placed above the natural subgrade, and/or
(b) a rigid layer (e.g., bedrock or hardpan clay) is present at a depth of 10 ft or less beneath
the existing subgrade surface.
Note: The rigid layer adjustment should only be applied if the subgrade k was determined
on the basis of soil type or similar correlations. If the k-value was determined from
nondestructive deflection testing or from plate bearing tests, the effect of a rigid layer,
if present at a depth of less than 10 ft, is already represented in the k-value obtained.
If required, use the nomograph below to adjust the above subgrade k-value for fill and/or
rigid layer and enter the adjusted value here:
psi/in Export to Input Form
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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ID Agency:
Clear
Example ERES
Orden de Malta Tramo II
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Saved Data
Street Address:
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Saved Data
" button.
City: State:
Champaign IL
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Saved Data
Project Number:
1-20-98LCB
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Description:
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Export
Location:
Champaign, IL
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Saved Data
4.5
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Saved Data
2.5
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Saved Data
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Saved Data
4500000
4260000
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Saved Data
25000
25000
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Saved Data
6
8
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Saved Data
1.4
1.5
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90
85
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0.34
0.35
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10
6
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Saved Data
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Subgrade k-Value
165
300
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ESALs
21.880658166
52000000
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Pavement Type
JPCP
JPCP
JPCP
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15 1.5
3
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Faulti
Base/Slab Friction Restriant
0.8
0.8
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65 11.2398181822
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oweled)
Base Type FI CESAL
0 500 21.880658166
0 52000000
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Faulting C
AGE Cd Days90
20 1 20
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11.2398181822 0
0
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1 120
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Fill/Rigid Adjustment
Adjusted k-Value
175
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Season1 Months1 k1
Fall 2 150
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Season2 Months2 k2
Winter 3 300
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k-Value Sheet
Season3 Months3 k3
Spring 3 80
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-Value Sheet
Season4 Months4 k4
Summer 4 120
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Season5 Months5 k5
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Performance Period:
20
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8000
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Saved Data
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Traffic Sheet
ADT4 GADT4 TF4 GTF4
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heet
ADT5 GADT5 TF5 GTF5
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Saved Data
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Saved Data
GTF13
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FI&DAYS90
Faulting Check
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
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FI&DAYS90
Faulting Check
DAYS90
58
39
47
41
58
66
39
51
42
50
49
60
65
56
0
0
0
0
175
173
173
170
89
79
37
90
93
111
111
61
37
63
67
40
56
56
64
55
57
57
58
62
58
71
65
57
73
0
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FI&DAYS90
1
0
167
167
113
95
69
60
22
33
2
87
105
106
101
94
159
149
58
20
7
61
70
60
70
70
3
22
11
90
32
29
74
69
25
30
29
78
78
45
0
33
33
17
41
50
9
56
40
27
9
8
1
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FI&DAYS90
4
23
26
25
16
15
71
47
41
55
53
63
82
99
105
76
97
50
50
84
72
87
62
66
114
114
114
60
65
55
52
67
71
72
34
73
52
56
54
72
96
17
94
27
20
38
68
48
16
34
47
99
87
Page 107
FI&DAYS90
79
47
51
4
5
1
1
41
29
6
6
25
15
19
45
14
17
48
46
20
32
30
30
15
32
16
16
14
19
18
15
31
17
17
28
12
15
11
9
13
9
10
12
14
33
34
38
23
12
34
15
14
13
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FI&DAYS90
12
30
26
15
11
11
13
50
55
51
61
46
28
37
41
62
34
64
33
28
40
9
14
12
28
35
71
83
3
3
2
2
1
1
2
3
24
22
31
35
5
10
6
5
5
5
6
2
8
9
9
4
4
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FI&DAYS90
4
17
12
12
12
12
11
7
4
10
10
10
16
14
6
7
13
10
8
9
9
10
49
57
57
38
36
54
58
54
59
58
57
49
49
42
36
53
60
55
56
67
64
77
43
37
38
38
42
25
25
25
25
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FI&DAYS90
52
58
68
37
40
36
30
34
23
24
7
28
28
24
35
28
36
23
24
52
31
34
37
59
29
129
46
45
45
14
64
36
7
19
18
18
16
15
4
72
30
17
75
75
36
65
6
21
58
1
4
5
2
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FI&DAYS90
0
5
6
33
30
37
47
32
30
29
30
43
29
8
6
11
41
0
38
23
44
20
27
14
8
9
14
11
12
8
11
11
12
5
20
59
71
81
63
92
69
69
76
73
71
52
64
66
68
69
69
14
43
Page 112
FI&DAYS90
9
10
10
10
13
28
22
23
17
12
8
8
4
12
10
13
1
1
12
15
3
1
11
6
14
15
6
9
1
16
5
44
55
49
55
49
74
23
54
31
14
53
27
21
20
31
7
36
21
8
24
19
28
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FI&DAYS90
19
43
42
21
42
42
14
39
27
28
21
39
17
85
85
124
91
105
92
61
99
113
59
56
55
75
74
76
102
111
80
92
94
62
122
98
94
95
88
15
75
100
61
90
103
58
85
76
72
77
64
71
117
Page 114
FI&DAYS90
78
85
110
113
103
92
85
85
79
87
116
73
50
53
56
89
52
96
72
71
69
51
75
89
93
87
89
90
85
78
120
72
89
74
101
81
69
51
33
40
14
16
57
44
75
43
30
43
28
1
1
1
4
Page 115
FI&DAYS90
21
21
20
3
35
39
28
48
53
8
6
33
25
35
34
29
8
10
32
36
2
4
33
2
15
14
0
20
11
31
23
3
9
20
12
6
14
14
12
12
10
8
3
7
7
8
12
13
33
22
23
34
18
Page 116
FI&DAYS90
4
22
10
10
25
5
7
6
3
Page 117