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Software Enhancements

December 20, 2022

The software enhancements for FY 2023 are well underway. The following are the enhancements that you will see at the end of FY 2023. None of these enhancements will have an impact on the calibration coefficients. So the calibration coefficients your agency is using with v2.6.2 and v3.0 will be applicable to the version to be released in July 2023.

  • Multiple Overlays; As you know, the PMED software does not permit multiple asphalt overlays of existing JPCP, CRCP, or flexible pavements: only one asphalt overlay is considered above existing JPCP, CRCP, and flexible pavements. So engineering assumptions need to be made for designing the second or third asphalt overlay. The software is being modified so a rehabilitation design can be directly completed on pavement where an overlay has already been placed.
  • Creep Compliance for Input Level II; This enhancement or improvement is to revise the existing input level II for creep compliance. A standard procedure is being implemented to transform the frequency-based measured dynamic modulus master curve to a time-based creep compliance master curve.
  • Climatic Model for very cold locations; In the existing software versions Users, the software produces an error message when the mean annual air temperature (MAAT) is below freezing (<32°F/0°C). The software or enhanced integrated climate model is being modified so that it can be used in extremely cold regions. The Canadian Technical Advisory Committee requested this modified, which is being implemented this FY.

 

The following are enhancements being made to the user interface (UI) to improve on user satisfaction.

  • Add the asphalt dynamic modulus master curve chart to the UI.
  • Add the asphalt creep compliance master curve chart to the UI.
  • Allow users to edit the standard deviation of the IRI regression equation.
  • Include the computed ESALS in the UI and output report for quick user reference to ensure the other materials inputs where the mixture design requirements are related to the number of ESALs.
  • Include the Traffic Module UI Charts in the output report.
  • Add a library preview, search, and filter component to the UI.
  • Add User defined “Identifier” fields.
  • The Manual of Practice and Help Manual are being integrated in PMED v3.0.

Two other products will be available at the end of FY 2023 in support of pavement design in accordance with the PMED software. These two products include:

  • Materials Test Protocols or standard practices to determine the inputs variables for which no formal procedure currently is available. These will be provided to COMP TS 5C and/or 5D for balloting purposes.
  • Training update; The training course materials prepared in FY 2015 are being updated in terms of using the current software for design. The training materials are modular based for different design strategies and rehabilitation. A series of videos are also being developed for selected modules in support of the PMED software.