Calibration of Mechanistic-Empirical Performance Model for Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement Punch-Outs

The field calibration of a mechanistic-empirical (M-E) continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) punch-out prediction model developed under NCHRP Project 1-37A is presented. The model elaborates on the procedure adopted to obtain a national calibration curve for punch-outs, the quantity and extent of data used, and the development of a reliability design procedure based on the calibration data. The model was based on a national database of pavement performance data and advanced mechanistic CRCP structural evaluation and damage accumulation concepts presented in earlier works by other authors. Sensitivity plots are also presented to illustrate how the model responds to changes in key design features considered in the design of CRCP pavements. The model presented can be used to perform M-E design of CRCP pavements.