Abstract:
The economic, social, physiological and various other benefits of roads contributing in the
progress of a country can never fully be quantified. Smoothness, Durability and Safety are the
main intended ‘functions’ of a pavement which can be ensured by accurate and efficient design.
The empirical method of design is lengthy, cumbersome and requires great accuracy owing to
the consultation of a number of tables, graphs and other calculations by hand. This project aims
at developing a computer program in order to simplify the design and analysis process for
flexible and rigid pavements. RISPAVE has been developed using Microsoft Visual Basic. NET
language for designing and analyzing flexible and rigid pavements based on AASHTO empirical
design procedures of 1993. The program provides an easy-to-use user interface, which has been
augmented with supplementary tools to work out the Equivalent Single Axle Loads (ESALs),
Effective Modulus of subgrade reaction, etc. The Computer Program considers the four design
factors – traffic and loading, environment, materials and failure criteria – based on the AASHTO
Design Guide (AASHTO, 1993) as input parameters to compute the layer thicknesses for both
flexible and rigid pavement along with steel reinforcement (longitudinal, transverse steel, ties,
dowels etc). Furthermore, the Computer Program analyses one-layer, two-layer and three-layer
flexible pavements and rigid pavements as well caters for the design of Asphalt Course overlay
on Flexible Pavements. This Computer Program would help save valuable time, ensure accuracy
in design/analysis and be utilized to check designs/analysis done by hand. The Computer
Program finds its place as an integral component of the broader Pavement Management Systems
utilized by Highway and other construction authorities
