Assessment of Reflective Cracking Models for Asphalt Pavements Luis Loria 1 , Elie Y. Hajj 2 and Peter E. Sebaaly 3 1 PhD Candidate, Center, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557-0152. lorial@unr.nevada.edu 2 Research Assistant Professor, Western Regional Superpave Center, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557-0152. elieh@unr.nevada.edu 3 Director, Western Regional Superpave Center, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557-0152. psebaaly@unr.edu ABSTRACT The research effort documented in this paper is directed toward identifying an analytical model that can be used to predict the resistance of HMA overlays to reflective cracking and predict their long-term performance. Various models were identified and three models were studied and compared in this research effort: 1) Virginia Tech Simplified Overlay Design Model, 2) Rubber Pavements Association (RPA) Overlay Design Model, 3) the New AASHTO model for Reflective Cracking. The identified models were assessed by the research team based on their ability to predict the performance of HMA overlays subjected to reflective cracking. An overlay design was conducted for three different HMA overlay mixes using the three identified overlay design methods. The overlay mixes were manufactured using different aggregate gradations from the Sloan pit in Southern Nevada and a PG76-22 polymer modified asphalt binder. The overlay was designed for 7,000,000 ESALs over the 20 years analysis period. Finally, a comparison was exerted among the various HMA overlay thicknesses required by each method and the material properties associated to such determination to accomplish the design traffic. Keywords: Reflective Cracking, Hot mix asphalt, Overlay, Flexible Pavements. INTRODUCTION One major type of distress influencing the life of an overlay is reflective cracking. When asphalt overlays are placed over jointed rigid pavements or severely cracked flexible pavements, cracks will reflect to the surface in a relatively short period of time. Physical tearing of the overlay occurs because of movements under heavy wheel loads at joints and cracks in the underlying pavement layer. Therefore, the long-term performance of the HMA overlays will depend on their ability to resist reflective cracking (Elsefi and Al-Qadi, 2003). Reflective cracking in the overlay 72 Geotechnical Special Publication No. 213 © ASCE 2011 Road Pavement and Material Characterization, Modeling, and Maintenance Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by Universidad de Costa Rica on 09/01/17. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.