A Performance-Based Approach to Flexible Pavement Design Integrating AASHTO 1993 Methodology with Local Calibration: A Case Study of the Gobindaganj-Hili Transport Corridor in Bangladesh *

Abstract

The study utilizes localized parameters from the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) Pavement Design Guide and the empirical AASHTO 1993 methodology to explore a performance-based flexible pavement design for the Gobindaganj-Ghoraghat-Hakimpur (Hili) Road corridor in Bangladesh. By implementing actual data on axle load distributions, traffic forecasts, subgrade strength, and material properties, the study proposes a resilient, durable, and cost-effective pavement structure tailored to Bangladesh’s challenging geotechnical and climatic conditions. The analysis indicates that the selected materials and thicknesses meet the required Structural Number (SN) criteria for a design life of 20 years. To enhance infrastructure sustainability, the findings stress the importance of improved drainage planning, axle load regulation, and the eventual adoption of mechanistic-empirical approaches.