Evaluation of Mechanical Response of an Industry-Scale Flexible Pavement System

Through its design life, the performance of asphalt pavement is decided by the mechanical response in key locations. Measured strains in the surface layer and at the top of the subgrade are used to predict distress and plan rehabilitation, making them of great interest. This paper explains typical gauge configurations and evaluates novel methods of mechanical measurement, focusing on vibrating wire technology. These gauges were tested by constructing and installing them in a lane of asphalt concrete 200’ long, split into six sections with varying base and surface properties. High-temperature models of strain gauges, which are designed for Portland cement concrete with a high heat of hydration, were installed at the bottom of the hot-mix asphalt concrete layer. The gauges were connected to data loggers and calibrated, recording strain data as well as temperature data from each gauge’s onboard thermistor. Application of loading using a passenger vehicle of known axle weights facilitates the comparison of the mechanical response of pavement sections using different layer configurations and materials. Mainly, the effect of flowable fill as a base material was compared with the conventional, granular base material. It was concluded that the rigidity of flowable fill base resulted in a significantly lower vertical deflection at the top of the subgrade which leads to better performance of flexible pavements.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AFD30 Standing Committee on General and Emerging Pavement Design.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  ,    
• Authors:
  • Menn, M Dalton
  • Rajapaksha, Malitha
  • Senadheera, Sanjaya
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 98th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2019-1-13 to 2019-1-17
• Date: 2019

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 21p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Flexible pavements; Flowable fill; Granular bases; Strain gages
• Uncontrolled Terms: Comparative analysis; Mechanical response; Vibrating wire gages
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01698447
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 19-05219
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 2 2019 3:41PM