Abstract
A comprehensive testing program was conducted to evaluate the potential use of the dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) in the quality control–quality assurance procedure during the construction of pavement layers and embankments. The laboratory tests were conducted on different materials prepared inside two test boxes measuring 1.5 m x 0.9 m x 0.9 m (5 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft) located at the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC). The field tests were performed on different highway sections in Louisiana. In addition, nine test sections were constructed and tested at the pavement research facility site of the LTRC. In all laboratory and field tests, DCP tests were carried out in conjunction with the plate load test (PLT). Also, falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests were carried out on the field sections. California bearing ratio (CBR) laboratory tests were performed on samples collected from the tested sections. Regression analysis was carried out on the collected data to correlate the DCP penetration rate with the three reference tests used in this study (PLT, FWD, and CBR). Further field tests were conducted to verify the developed regression models. The results showed that the developed models yielded good predictions of the measured FWD moduli and CBR values. This suggests that these models can be used reliably to evaluate the stiffness and strength of pavement materials.
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