Evaluation of the Rolling Dynamic Deflectometer as a Tool for Pavement Management(Revised November 1997)

摘要

This project was undertaken to assess the current condition and capabilities ofthe Rolling Dyanmic Deflectometer (RDD). In doing so, the authors first conducted a literature review that compared the RDD with similar pavement deflection measuring devices. The authors also reviewed literature on noncontracting probes and instruments that the RDD currently uses, as well as others that could potentially be incorporated into the RDD's design in the future. Next, the authors developed a methodology for measuring the pressure distribution existing beneath the RDD's loading wheels. These measurements are important because the accuracy of the RDD's pavement evaluation depends, in part, on the RDD's ability to apply loading pressures that mimic normal vehicle loading pressures as closely as possible. This methodology uses pressure-sensitive film to identify the pressure footprint beneath the RDD's loading wheels. A factorial experiment design involving the pressure-sensitive film that considers the magnitude of the load and the temperature of the RDD's loading wheels was developed. Finally, the authors identified a number of potential uses of the RDD for structural evaluation of pavements in the field. These potential uses were grouped into the following categories: (1) assessment of pavement variability, (2) forensic studies, (3) load-zoning studies, (4) examination of joint behavior, and (5) miscellaneous. For each potential use, the authors identified the advantages and disadvantages of using the RDD.