Evaluation of Continuous Deflection Testing Using the Rolling Wheel Deflectometer in Louisiana
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 4
Abstract
The Rolling Wheel Deflectometer (RWD) offers the benefit to measure pavement deflection without causing any traffic interruption or compromising safety along the tested road segments. This paper presents a detailed field evaluation of the RWD system in Louisiana, in which 16 sites representing a wide array of pavement conditions were tested. Measurements were used to assess the repeatability of RWD measurements, the effect of truck speeds, and the relationship between RWD and (FWD) deflection measurements and pavement conditions. On the basis of the results of the experimental program, it was determined that the repeatability of RWD measurements was acceptable, with an average coefficient of variation at all test speeds of 15%. In addition, the influence of the testing speed on the measured deflections was minimal. The scattering and uniformity of the FWD and RWD data appear to follow closely the conditions of the roadway. Both test methods appear to properly reflect pavement conditions and structural integrity of the road network by providing for a greater average deflection and scattering for sites in poor conditions. The RWD deflection measurements were in general agreement with the FWD deflections measurements; however, the mean center deflections from RWD and FWD were statistically different for 15 of the 16 sites.
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Acknowledgments
The financial support provided by the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) is greatly appreciated. The contents of this paper do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the LADOTD or the LTRC. The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of R. Bandaru of Louisiana State University, D. Steele of ARA, Inc., and Ashley Horne, Christophe Fillastre, and James Lee of LADOTD.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 4 • April 2012
Pages: 414 - 422
Copyright
© 2012. American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 17, 2010
Accepted: Sep 19, 2011
Published online: Sep 21, 2011
Published in print: Apr 1, 2012
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