This course provides an introduction to geotechnical issues in pavement design, construction, and performance, including 1) the identification of the geotechnical parameters of interest; 2) the influence of climate, moisture, and drainage; 3) the impact of unsuitable subgrades; 4) the determination of the geotechnical inputs needed for designing different types of pavements; and 5) the evaluation and selection of appropriate remediation measures for unsuitable pavement subgrades. A brief history of the AASHTO highway pavement design techniques is included to illustrate how geotechnical design considerations have grown in importance and prominence over time, and the mechanistic-empirical design approach developed under the NCHRP 1-37A Pavement Guide is discussed.

Topics: This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills: • A historical perspective on pavement design • Components of a pavement system • Flexible, rigid, and composite pavements • Unpaved and naturally surfaced roads • Pavement performance with ties to geotechnical issues • Issues related to new construction, rehabilitation, and reconstruction • Design considerations related to natural subgrade, cut, and fill, environmental effects, drainage, and soil improvement • Sensitivity of pavement design to geotechnical parameters • Empirical, mechanistic, and mechanistic-empirical design • AASHTO pavement design guides • NCHRP 1-37A Pavement Guide.

Intended Audience: civil, geotechnical, highway, and transportation engineers concerned with pavement design.

Publication Source: US DOT (Federal Highway Administration)