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Pavements 2025

Pavement Design, Evaluation, Preservation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation

POSTER RECEPTION (View list of posters here)

Sensitivity Analysis of Design Parameters on Thickness and Performance of JPCP in Pakistan

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM MT
Abstract: The increasing traffic volume in Pakistan has led to a rise in the use of rigid pavements, particularly Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements (JPCP). The performance of JPCP is influenced by various design parameters, and understanding their sensitivity is crucial for optimizing pavement design and ensuring longevity. This study employs the AASHTO Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design (PMED) software to conduct a sensitivity analysis of key design parameters on JPCP performance indicators. The design parameters considered included traffic volume, concrete mechanical and thermal properties, material properties of the underlying layers, and structural properties. The results highlighted the significant impact of traffic volume, coefficient of thermal expansion, and joint spacing on pavement performance. Joint spacing, average annual daily truck traffic (AADTT), and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) each caused a 37 to 40 in/mi change in the terminal IRI. AADTT was responsible for a 0.12-inch increase in joint faulting. CTE and joint spacing caused a significant change in transverse cracking. The findings provide valuable insights for pavement engineers in Pakistan to develop effective designs that can withstand heavy traffic loads and ensure long-lasting pavement performance. This study will lead the way for using PMED software for the design and performance analysis of rigid pavements in Pakistan.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees can expect to learn the following from this session:
  • Recognize primary factors influencing JPCP performance in Pakistan, such as traffic loads and material properties.
  • Explore strategies to mitigate the effects of sensitive factors on JPCP performance.
  • Develop design guidelines and recommendations for JPCP pavements in Pakistan.