Assessment of Pavement Layer Condition with Use of Multiload-Level Falling Weight Deflectometer Deflections

Abstract

A condition assessment procedure for pavement layers that uses multiload-level falling weight deflectometer (FWD) deflections is presented. A dynamic finite element program that incorporates a stress-dependent soil model was used to generate the synthetic deflection database. On the basis of the data in this database, the relationships between surface deflections and critical pavement responses, such as the stresses and strains in each layer, have been established. The FWD deflection data, distress survey results, temperature, and laboratory testing results used to develop this procedure were collected from the Long-Term Pavement Performance project database. Research efforts also focused on the effect of the FWD load level on the condition assessment procedure. The results indicate that the proposed procedure can estimate the asphalt concrete (AC), base, and subgrade layer conditions. The AC layer modulus and the tensile strain at the bottom of the AC layer were found to be better indicators of the condition of the AC layer than the deflection basin parameter. It was also found that the structurally adjusted base damage index and base curvature index were good indicators for prediction of the stiffness characteristics of the aggregate base and subgrade, respectively. An FWD test with a load of 71.2 kN or less does not improve the accuracy of this procedure. The results from the study of the nonlinear behavior of a pavement structure indicate that the deflection ratio obtained from multiload-level deflections can predict the type and quality of the base and subgrade materials.