Investigation and Modification of Available Mechanistic–Empirical Procedures for Reflective Cracking in Asphalt Overlays of Concrete Pavements

In recent decades, state, local, and federal use of asphalt concrete overlays to rehabilitate portland cement concrete pavements has increased significantly. This growth has increased the attention given to mechanistic– empirical modeling of reflective cracking. This paper describes recent research that assessed and modified the state of the art in mechanistic– empirical modeling of reflective cracking. The research reviewed the original Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide model and the CalME reflective cracking model. The paper also details research in which the CalME model was modified to facilitate its integration into the design guide for pavement projects of composite asphalt concrete over portland cement concrete.