The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), through a grant from the ICPI Foundation, has completed the first phase of an approximately $1 million industry-funded initiative to develop a new Mechanistic Empirical (M-E) design methodology for interlocking concrete pavements (ICPs).

 
Unlike traditional methods based primarily on historical road-test formulas, the M-E approach combines engineering analysis, laboratory testing, computer modeling and actual material properties to predict pavement performance under specific traffic, soil, weather and material conditions. The methodology could give engineers greater flexibility to evaluate pavement systems and innovative materials for commercial, municipal and transportation projects.

"The future of our industry in commercial and transportation markets depends on giving architects and engineers the confidence to specify interlocking concrete paver systems on more projects," said Robert Thomas, president and CEO of CMHA.

Research also found that paver and bedding layers function together as a cohesive structural system, providing additional insight for pavement modeling and design.

The project is now entering full-scale validation using a heavy-vehicle simulator, with six pavement structures subjected to millions of simulated truckloads. Final recommendations are expected in 2028 and could support updates to ASCE 58-16, CMHA technical guidance, design tables and future digital design tools.

https://www.cmha.org/news-and-insights/cmha-completes-first-phase-of-landmark-pavement-research/

As seen in LASN magazine, September 2026.