A reliability-based mix design and analysis system has been developed
for mitigating fatigue distress in asphalt pavements. Design decisions
consider not only fundamental mix properties but also the level
of design traffic, the temperature environment at the site, the
pavement structural section, laboratory testing and construction
variabilities, and the acceptable level of risk. This paper describes
the mix design and analysis system, discusses its calibration,
illustrates its use, and assesses the consistency of current California
design practice vis- a-vis the control of fatigue distress. It
reveals possible inconsistencies in current California design
practice, discusses effects of construction variability, highlights
advantages of rich-bottom pavement structures, and illustrates
the integration of mix and structural components into a reliability-based
mix design process.