Laboratory Calibration of Time-Domain Reflectometry and Analysis of Soil Water Content in Korea LTPP Sections

摘要

The water content of pavement substructure can exert a great influence on the pavement performance. Recently, TDR (Time-Domain Reflectometry) probe has been used to measure the water content of pavement substructure in the field. The accuracy of TDR probe in the measurement of water content generally depends on the type, particle size, density, and temperature of the material, necessitating the need for the laboratory calibration of the TDR measurement. This study carried out the laboratory calibration of TDR probe (CS616) for water content of subbase and subgrade material in Korea LTPP (Long Term Pavement Performance) sections. Calibration equations for the TDR probe were then developed based on the laboratory tests, and verified by checking the water content of the soil obtained from the field. Additionally, from the analysis of two year field data in Korea LTPP, it was found that the TDR probe was capable of verifying the freezing, unfrozen water, and matric suction present in pavement structure.