What is the primary focus of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design method?

• A. Roughness measurements
• B. Predicting environmental impacts
• C. Estimating traffic load impacts on pavement
• D. Calculating material costs

Answer: (C)

The primary focus of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design method lies in estimating the traffic load impacts on pavement. This method combines mechanistic and empirical approaches to account for how various loads affect pavement performance over time.

By utilizing mechanistic principles, the method analyzes stress, strain, and deflection behavior of pavement structures under different loading conditions. This enables engineers to predict how repeated traffic loads will affect pavement durability, serviceability, and longevity. Thus, the design can be optimized based on specific traffic patterns and load levels, ensuring that pavement materials and thicknesses are adequately selected to withstand the anticipated traffic stresses.

In contrast, options that focus on roughness measurements, predicting environmental impacts, or calculating material costs do not directly address the core intent of this design methodology. While those factors can play a role in the overall consideration of pavement performance and project planning, the central tenet of the Mechanistic-Empirical method is its ability to evaluate the effects of traffic loading on pavement systems.