# Rigid M-E Failure Criteria

The main empirical portions of the mechanistic-empirical design process are the equations used to compute the number of loading cycles to failure.

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- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Review: reviewed by licensed professional engineers on the previous Pavement Interactive site, where reviewers were not recorded by name

The main empirical portions of the mechanistic-empirical design process are the equations used to compute the number of loading cycles to failure. These equations are derived by (1) determining the various stresses present in a [rigid pavement](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/rigid-pavement/) section or slab, (2) observing the performance of pavements, and (3) relating the type and extent of observed failure to an initial stress under various conditions. These stress calculations are then tied to pavement performance using empirically derived relationships (often called transfer functions).