Estimation of pavement layer moduli of thin-sealed roads for use in pavement management systems
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Keywords
Elastic moduli, FWD, Surface deflection bowl parameters, Thin bituminous seals
Abstract
Condition assessment and maintenance of vast road networks is a challenge both technically and financially in many low and middle-income countries (LMICs). It often requires rapid data collection techniques, quick analysis of the data, accurate defect identification, and appropriate allocation of scarce funds. The Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) equipment can be used for rapid non-destructive techniques of assessing the condition of road pavement layers. Many road agencies in LMICs are acquiring FWDs and Pavement Management Systems (PMS) for data collection and maintenance planning. The analysis of FWD data requires rigorous back-calculation techniques that cannot be easily integrated into PMS. Surface deflection bowl parameters (DBP) have since been used for classification of pavement conditions. However, DBP do not yield values of layer elastic moduli, that are increasingly being used in rehabilitation design. Moreover, the DBP that are currently in use are applicable to roads with at least 50 mm asphalt concrete surfacing and have not been checked for validity on roads incorporating thin bituminous seals such as chip seal, and cape seal. Thus, a system that rapidly estimates layer elastic moduli from DBP and that can be easily integrated into PMS is required now and in the near future, for LMICs. Defective sections or pavement layers identified through this approach can then undergo more rigorous analysis using FWD specialist back-calculation software. This study developed equations that reliably estimate the layer moduli from DBP of pavements surfaced with thin bituminous seals. This was done through conducting FWD tests on selected road sections, conducting back-calculation using specialist software, and testing which DBP best correlates with the back-calculated elastic moduli. These equations are used to rapidly identify pavement layers and sections that are deteriorating season by season, and hence, target and plan appropriate maintenance interventions.
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