United States Department of Transportation
i
Improvement of Climate Data for Use in MEPDG Calibration and Other Pavement Analysis – Phase II
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2021-02-01
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[PDF-1.75 MB]
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Edition:Final; August 2019 – February 2021
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Abstract:Pavement temperature is one of the most important parameters that influence pavement performance. In the Pavement ME Design (PMED) software, the pavement temperatures are determined based on the shortwave radiation (SWR) and longwave radiation (LWR) models. In this project, the accuracy of such radiation models is assessed. The PMED-recommended net SWR and the downwelling and upwelling LWR models were found in this study to be physically inconsistent and inaccurate. Alternative SWR data sources were identified in the Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application, version 2 (MERRA-2) database. In addition, the research team identified alternative LWR models through an extensive literature review. Such SWR and LWR models provide superior estimations and, therefore, eliminate nearly all the issues associated with the PMED-recommended radiation models. Finally, asphalt concrete (AC) pavement distresses were analyzed for seven different radiation models via software called Mechanistic–Empirical Asphalt Pavement Analysis (MEAPA) software. It was determined that modifications in the radiation models significantly impact the pavement distresses. Based on such results, this study recommends that the net SWR, as well as the downwelling and upwelling LWR models, be updated in PMED, as outlined in this report.
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