Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Correlation Study on the Falling Weight Deflectometer and Light Weight Deflectometer for the Local Pavement Systems

Burhani, Ahmadudin

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Civil Engineering (Engineering and Technology).
The Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) are essential nondestructive devices used for structural evaluation and characterization of pavement layer systems. This study evaluated the performances of both devices in 99 different test sites grouped into five clusters located in eight counties in Ohio. The structural adequacy of the local roads in Ohio was assessed by conducting field tests using deflectometry and backcalculation techniques. A field research program consisting of a series of FWD and LWD tests was undertaken at the same locations to investigate local pavement performances. The deflection data obtained from test results corresponding to pavement material properties were used to estimate: in-situ stiffness layer moduli, effective structural numbers, and a range of structural coefficients for different materials utilized to widen, construct, and rehabilitate county roads in Ohio. AASHTO 1993 Guide for Design of Pavement Structures and computer software, Modulus 6.0, Evercalc 5.0 were chosen to perform the backcalculation analysis. Specifically, this study investigated the feasibility and potential use of the Prima 100 LWD as in-situ testing device on the local roads. Although the FWD device could be used for the evaluation of the county roads, the cost of the equipment is prohibitive for most local agencies. The Prima 100 LWD on the other hand proved to be reasonable and effective alternative. However, the application of Prima 100 LWD requires a methodological correlation with respect to benchmark test. Comparisons were made through comprehensive regression analyses using the SPSS software. Center and radial offset sensor deflections as well as backcalculated layer moduli, layer coefficients, and the effective structural numbers were compared. The correlation results for the layer coefficients and subgrade modulus across all test sites were improved by the Rohde method. The results demonstrated consistent relationship between both devices on the evaluation for the asphalt and concrete surfaces. However, lower relationship for sensor deflections was reported for aggregate overlay, full depth grinding, and soft soil surfaces. In the course of this study, a modified relationship between deflection basin parameter and pavement response was devised. This promising relationship is the Area Under Pavement Profile (AUPP) which can be used to predict tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt concrete layer. The statistical analyses showed the proposed procedure appears to be a new valid parameter for the pavement evaluation using LWD sensor deflections. In the final analysis, the Prima 100 LWD proved to be an effective and economically viable test procedure for asphalt and concrete surfaces for the evaluation of local pavement systems.
Shad Sargand (Advisor)
Teruhisa Masada (Committee Member)
Issam Khoury (Committee Member)
Tatiana Savin (Committee Member)
164 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Burhani, A. (2016). Correlation Study on the Falling Weight Deflectometer and Light Weight Deflectometer for the Local Pavement Systems [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1470663356

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Burhani, Ahmadudin. Correlation Study on the Falling Weight Deflectometer and Light Weight Deflectometer for the Local Pavement Systems. 2016. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1470663356.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Burhani, Ahmadudin. "Correlation Study on the Falling Weight Deflectometer and Light Weight Deflectometer for the Local Pavement Systems." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1470663356

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)