MnPAVE 5.3

MnPAVE is a computer program that combines known empirical relationships with a representation of the physics and mechanics behind flexible pavement behavior. The mechanistic portions of the program rely on finding the tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt layer, the compressive strain at the top of the subgrade, and the maximum principal stress in the middle of the aggregate base layer. MnPAVE consists of three input modules: Climate, Structure, and Traffic; and three design levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. The level is selected based on the amount and quality of information known about the material properties and traffic data. In the basic mode, only a general knowledge of the materials and traffic data are required. The intermediate level corresponds to the amount of data currently required for Mn/DOT projects. The advanced level requires the determination of modulus values for all materials over the expected operating range of moisture and temperature. MnPAVE output includes the expected life of the pavement, the damage factor based on Miner's Hypothesis. Reliability has been incorporated into the latest version. There is also a batch section for testing a range of layer thicknesses. In Research Mode (accessible from the "View" menu in the main MnPAVE window), output includes various pavement responses for each season.