Simplified Generalized California Bearing Ratio Pavement Design Equation

Abstract

The probabilistic approach to pavement design and evaluation requires estimation of the diversity associated with each design parameter. Results and conclusions should be based on statistical analysis with wide application of mathematical statistics and theory of reliability methods. Consequently, statistical analysis of the California bearing ratio design equation was performed, and a new generalized design equation suggested. This equation provides a simplified and rapid pavement design prediction using the common basic design parameters. The suggested model and equation provide at least the same and, possibly, greater accuracy than the current deterministic pavement design method provides. At the same time, they eliminate the need to determine the equivalent single-wheel load curve for each loading and wheel configuration, depending instead on the number of wheels in the assembly only. It is believed that the suggested model and equation also provide an appropriate step toward the application of stochastic pavement design methods.