Local calibration of JPCP transverse cracking and IRI models using maximum likelihood estimation

The calibration of transfer functions is essential for accurate pavement performance predictions in the Pavement-ME design. Several studies have used the least square approach to calibrate these transfer functions. Least square is a widely used simplistic approach based on certain assumptions. Literature shows that these least square approach assumptions may not apply to the non-normal distributions. This study introduces a new methodology for calibrating the transverse cracking and international roughness index (IRI) models in rigid pavements using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). Synthetic data for transverse cracking, with and without variability, are generated to illustrate the applicability of MLE using different known probability distributions (exponential, gamma, log-normal, and negative binomial). The approach uses measured data from the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) pavement management system (PMS) database for 70 jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) sections to calibrate and validate transfer functions. The MLE approach is combined with resampling techniques to improve the robustness of calibration coefficients. The results show that the MLE transverse cracking model using the gamma distribution consistently outperforms the least square for synthetic and observed data. For observed data, MLE estimates of parameters produced lower SSE and bias than least squares (e.g., for the transverse cracking model, the SSE values are 3.98 vs 4.02, and the bias values are 0.00 and -0.41). Although negative binomial distribution is the most suitable fit for the IRI model for MLE, the least square results are slightly better than MLE. The bias values are -0.312 and 0.000 for the MLE and least square methods. Overall, the findings indicate that MLE is a robust method for calibration, especially for non-normally distributed data such as transverse cracking. • Calibrated transverse cracking and IRI models for rigid pavements. • Illustrated maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) usability using synthetic and observed data. • Compared between least square and MLE calibration methodologies. • MLE outperforms least squares for non-normally distributed data such as transverse cracking.