Rispave Pavement Design and Analysis Computer Program

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