Evaluation of chip seal design with mechanistic empirical methods

Chip seals are a type of flexible pavement frequently used on roads with low traffic volume. In our country, the AASHTO method, based on subgrade elastic modulus (MR) and T8.2 values, is used in the structural design of chip seals. This method cannot adequately adapt to changes in parameters such as load, loading type, contact pressure, properties of layer materials and environmental conditions. In this study, mechanical analysis of 101 different sections produced depending on the subbase thicknesses read for different T8.2 and different MR values from the AASHTO design chart was studied, and pavement life values due to rutting failure were calculated with empirical transfer equations. The calculated values were compared with the T8.2 values of the AASHTO method and aimed to find empirical transfer equations compatible with the AASHTO method. In the study, empirical transfer equation coefficients were obtained from the resulting curve equation by combining the mechanical responses calculated for 101 cross-sections and T8.2 values in a distribution graph.