Updating Pavement Design Procedures for New York State

New York's effort in adapting concepts from AASHTO's pavement design guide as a basis for a revised state design procedure for thickness of new and reconstructed pavements is summarized. The rationale for this revised procedure was to design more durable pavements and reduce life-cycle costs. New York's past pavement design practice and the background for the revisions are briefly described. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify how AASHTO design variables affect pavement thickness. Past performance of selected New York pavements was also studied. The rationale is discussed for determination of appropriate design variables, based on the sensitivity analysis, performance studies, and reviews of past and current practice. Also described is the justification of other design features, such as 50-year design life, granular subgrade, permeable base, edge drains, shorter slabs, maximum and minimum pavement thicknesses, and new dowel and tie-bar designs. Development and implementation of New York's new AASHTO-based thickness design procedure are major steps toward accomplishing the goals of building longer-lasting pavements and reducing life-cycle costs.