Journal Published Online: 17 January 2014
Volume 42, Issue 2

Improved Rolling Dynamic Deflectometer for Continuous Pavement Deflection Measurements

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Unlike discrete testing methods, the rolling dynamic deflectometer (RDD) performs continuous measurements. Thus, it is a powerful screening and evaluation tool for quickly characterizing large sections of highway and airfield pavements with little danger of missing critical pavement features. RDD testing applications have involved (1) pavement forensic investigations, (2) delineations of areas to be repaired, (3) selections of rehabilitation treatments, measurements of relative improvements due to the rehabilitation, and (4) monitoring of changes with time (trafficking and environmental loading). This paper discusses the efforts to improve the velocity of RDD testing up to 5 mph (8.0 km/h) while minimizing the accuracy and resolution of deflection data. The research consisted of the development of a velocity-improved rolling sensor and the field evaluation of its new sensor system. The velocity-improved rolling sensor and the enhanced data processing were tested in both flexible and rigid pavements at varied velocities. The enhanced RDD system potentially enabled testing velocities of up to 5 mph (8.0 km/h) in thin flexible pavements (i.e., farm-to-market roads) and up to 3 mph (4.8 km/h) in rigid pavements.

Author Information

Nam, BooHyun
Dept. of Civil, Environmental Construction, and Construction Engineering, Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, US
Stokoe, Kenneth
Dept. of Civil Engineering, The Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, US
Pages: 17
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JTE20120262
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20120262