Calculation of traffic growth rate for average daily annual traffic projections in Nicaragua

Abstract

The vehicular traffic projected for the pavement design period is one of the most important variables that determine the thicknesses required for its design. Due to the behavior of vehicular traffic flows on Nicaraguan highways, the reference of which is indicated in the statistical yearbooks published by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, it is necessary to have a reference methodology for the proper determination of growth rates to be used to calculate the Simple Equivalent Single Axle Loads according to the design period by type of surface selected. In this article, based on a case study, the methodology and general criteria for the selection of a value justified by the dependence of stations, established correlations and published historical data are developed.