摘要: |
The use of the Rolling Wheel Deflectometer (RWD), which measures deflections at highway speeds, offers the potential to characterize the structural capacity of pavements without delays and in a cost-effective way. The objective of this study was twofold. First, this project evaluated pre-developed structural capacity indicators in predicting pavement structural deficiency based on RWD measurements. Based on this evaluation, the research team introduced modifications to improve prediction of pavement structural capacity. Second, a methodology was developed to integrate the most promising structural capacity indicator into the Louisiana Pavement Management System (PMS) decision matrix and the State overlay design procedure. Furthermore, this project assessed the cost-efficiency of RWD testing in identifying and repairing structurally-deficient sections prior to reaching very poor conditions, which may require complete reconstruction. Among the pre-developed structural capacity indicators, the SN(sub RWD) was found to be the most promising model. Modifications were introduced to the SN(sub RWD) model to improve its efficiency in identifying structurally-deficient pavements and to allow for predicting the Structural Number (SN) at a 0.1-mile interval. A model was developed to estimate the subgrade resilient modulus (Mr) based on the RWD data. To facilitate implementation of the results, a framework was developed to incorporate RWD testing results in Louisiana PMS and the State overlay design procedure. Results of the study found that RWD can result in significant savings to the Department if implemented in testing medium to high traffic volume roads with an Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) of 5,000 or more. |