Challenges implementing mechanistic pavement methods

By Jeb Tingle on 04/16/2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Jeb Tingle of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center as he presents via Zoom at the Spring 2026 Kent Seminar Series Thursday, April 16 from 2-3 p.m. (CT).

The Spring 2026 semester is set to feature 14 presentations, each addressing a topic related to innovation trends in aviation. See the full lineup of speakers for Spring 2026 semester.

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom. 

All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://go.illinois.edu/KentSeminar

Meeting ID: 856 1731 4207  
Passcode: 019160

Abstract and Bio

Pavement design and evaluation methods have shifted over the past 20 years from largely empirical approaches to mechanics-based ones. Mechanistic methods provide a sound framework grounded in engineering mechanics and make it easier to incorporate new materials and loading conditions. However, implementing these methods presents challenges, including accurately characterizing loads, accounting for environmental effects on material properties, selecting appropriate response models, developing performance models and determining how damage accumulates over time. This presentation will examine those challenges and discuss practical approaches to addressing them while preserving the advantages of mechanistic pavement design and evaluation methods.

Tingle is a senior scientific technical manager and program manager in the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He has 30 years of experience in transportation research and development and routinely leads multidisciplinary teams to solve complex engineering problems. His expertise includes soil stabilization, geosynthetics, accelerated pavement testing, geotechnical methods, nondestructive testing, airfield damage repair, additive construction, pavement design and military engineering. Tingle has authored or co-authored more than 250 technical papers and reports and has held leadership roles with the American Society of Civil Engineers and NATO.