Implementation of mechanistic empirical pavement design guide ME-PDG in Romania

Abstract

This paper describes the most important aspects of the implementation of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide – ME-PDG method, developed in the United States. After a short presentation of the advantages of this method, in comparison with actual ones used in road design practice, the main concepts and criteria of this method are described in detail. The specific climatic and traffic conditions of Romania's public road network, characterized by severe winters and very hot summers, are tacked into consideration in the creation of a specific climatic and traffic database that is proposed. Finally, specific recommendations for the implementation of the methodology in Romania are considered.