Transportation

Pavement Design and Evaluation

Engineered asphalt and concrete pavement sections for roads, parking lots and driveways, plus failing pavement assessments. Typical US fees run $1,500 to $25,000, and most projects take 1 to 6 weeks. Our drawings, calculations and reports are sealed by a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the state where your project is located, ready for permit submission.

Typical US fee$1,500 to $25,000

Typical timeline1 to 6 weeks

Permit drawingsSealed by a PE

What the work involves

Pavement design sets layer thicknesses based on subgrade soil strength and expected traffic, especially truck loads, which do far more damage than cars. Engineers also evaluate cracked, rutted or potholed pavement to decide between crack sealing, mill and overlay, full-depth reclamation or reconstruction. Municipalities use pavement management programs to rate road condition and prioritize repairs across their network.

When you need it

New road, parking lot or truck loading area
Pavement failing within a few years of paving
Truck traffic increasing at a facility
Municipal pavement management program
Deciding between overlay and reconstruction

What you receive

Pavement section design
Geotechnical coordination
Pavement condition assessment
Rehabilitation recommendations and specifications

What drives the cost

Estimate. Single parking lots are at the low end; network pavement management studies for municipalities cost more.

Related calculators

Asphalt Tonnage CalculatorCalculate tons of hot mix asphalt for a driveway or parking lot from area, compacted thickness and mix density.Pavement Structural Number Calculator (AASHTO 93)Calculate the AASHTO 1993 structural number SN of a flexible pavement from layer thicknesses, layer coefficients and drainage coefficients.

Frequently asked questions

How much does pavement Design and Evaluation cost?

Across the US, pavement Design and Evaluation usually costs $1,500 to $25,000. Estimate. Single parking lots are at the low end; network pavement management studies for municipalities cost more.

How long does pavement Design and Evaluation take?

Plan on 1 to 6 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Do I need a licensed PE for pavement Design and Evaluation?

In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.

Will I also need a geotechnical engineer?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, pavement Design and Evaluation can also involve a geotechnical engineer or paving contractor. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide pavement Design and Evaluation for?

Most of our clients for this service are developers, business owners, municipalitys and contractors. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

Why did my pavement fail early?

Common causes are weak or wet subgrade, poor drainage, sections too thin for truck traffic and poor compaction during construction. Cores and soil tests can identify which cause applies.

Should I choose asphalt or concrete?

Asphalt usually costs less up front and is easier to repair. Concrete often lasts longer under heavy loads and in areas like dumpster pads and truck docks.

What is full-depth reclamation?

A method that pulverizes the existing pavement and base, often stabilizes it, and reuses it as a new base before resurfacing. It can cost less than full reconstruction and reduces hauling.

How much does drainage matter?

A lot. Water trapped in the base and subgrade weakens them, which is why engineers specify slopes, edge drains and proper base materials.