Framework to develop mechanistic-empirical pavement design towards sustainable road construction systems in data-scarce areas: Lebanon case study

Pavement performance modelling is a crucial element of pavement management systems, aiding in forecasting maintenance plans. This study focuses on a mechanistic-empirical process for pavement design in Lebanon and investigates the impact of overweight axles on pavement deterioration. Overloading axles significantly affects pavement performance, challenging sustainable development goals. Using KENLAYER software, critical strains were evaluated across pavement sections, assessing rutting and fatigue damage. New models, developed via MATLAB's regression learner app, establish connections between factors and critical pavement strains. These models streamline data processing, offer improved pavement life assessment, and decrease virgin material usage. Findings reveal that exceeding permissible axle loads by 10% reduces fatigue and rutting lives by 18% and 40%, respectively. Balanced pavement sections are also obtained for various overweight axle loads to achieve equilibrium between fatigue and rutting lives and prevent quick deterioration of the pavement.