Influence of Design Methodologies on Rigid Pavement Structures: Comparative Analysis Using Aliz-LCPC, StreetPave, and KENPAVE

Pavement design software plays a crucial role in modern road engineering by allowing engineers to model structural responses under traffic and environmental loads. Different design tools rely on distinct theoretical assumptions and calibration methods, which can lead to different structural solutions for the same project conditions. This study compares three widely used rigid pavement design programs representing different engineering traditions: Aliz-LCPC (France), developed by the Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées (LCPC) and SETRA; StreetPave (USA), developed by the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA); and KENPAVE (USA), developed by Professor Yang H. Huang at the University of Kentucky. A standardized highway case study was defined using identical traffic, climate, and soil parameters and simulated on all three platforms. Aliz-LCPC produced a required concrete slab thickness of 32 cm, StreetPave recommended 30.5 cm (12 inches), and KENPAVE highlighted strong sensitivity to subgrade modeling assumptions. The approximately 4.7% difference in slab thickness between tools carries significant economic implications for large-scale infrastructure projects. This study provides comparative insights and practical guidance for engineers selecting appropriate pavement design tools based on regional conditions, available calibration data, and regulatory frameworks.