Pavement Design (AASHTO 1993) Calculator
Estimate required pavement thickness using traffic load (ESALs) and soil modulus.
How to use
Enter traffic load (ESALs) and soil modulus (psi). The calculator estimates the required pavement thickness.
Methodology
All calculations are based on the AASHTO 1993 guidelines for pavement design. For more information, refer to the AASHTO 1993 Guide in the citations section.
Glossary of Terms
- Traffic Load (ESALs): The estimated number of equivalent single axle loads that a pavement is expected to support.
- Soil Modulus (psi): A measure of soil stiffness, affecting pavement support.
- Required Thickness: The thickness of pavement needed to support the traffic load.
Example Calculation
For a traffic load of 500,000 ESALs and a soil modulus of 10,000 psi, the required thickness is calculated as follows:
Thickness = (500000 / 10000)^(1/3) = 3.68 inches
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the AASHTO 1993 pavement design?
The AASHTO 1993 pavement design is a set of guidelines developed for the structural design of pavements.
How is Traffic Load (ESALs) calculated?
Traffic Load is estimated based on the number of vehicles and their axle configurations over the pavement's design life.
Why is soil modulus important?
Soil modulus reflects the stiffness of the subgrade, which affects the pavement's ability to distribute loads.
Full original guide (expanded)
The formula used in this calculator is shown in the formulas section below.