Alternative Testing Techniques for Modulus of Pavement Bases and Subgrades

The importance of stiffness measurements has gained increased recognition in geotechnical applications in pavements. Two alternative testing techniques: bender elements and soil stiffness gauge (SSG) have been recently adopted as they show some potential and promising means of monitoring the stiffness and/or modulus of pavement materials. Since each technique has its own range of stress and strain levels, the relationship between the elastic moduli and nonlinear behavior exhibited by soils at large strains is required so that the measured modulus can be adjusted or corrected to a modulus corresponding to the desired strain levels. This paper presents the implications of these testing techniques in stiffness and/or modulus assessment of pavement bases and subgrades. To adjust the modulus measured in these materials, the desired strain amplitudes must be known. The strains incurred in the pavement base and subgrade layers that are subjected to the typical traffic loadings are summarized from a number of studies including finite-element analyses, large-scale model experiments, and in-situ test sections. The typical range of strain amplitudes imposed by the bender elements and the SSG is compared with those incurred in the pavement base and subgrade layers to evaluate their suitability in the assessment of pavement layer stiffness and/or modulus. Finally, some comments on the practical implications of these techniques to monitor the pavement layer stiffness and/or modulus are provided.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/9780784408216
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Sawangsuriya, Auckpath
  • Bosscher, Peter J
  • Edil, Tuncer B
• Conference:
  • 13th Great Lakes Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Conference
  • Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin, United States
  • Date: 2005-5-13 to 2005-5-13
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 108-121
• Monograph Title: Geotechnical Applications for Transportation Infrastructure Featuring the Marquette Interchange Project in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Base course (Pavements); Field tests; Finite element method; Measuring instruments; Modulus; Modulus of elasticity; Modulus of resilience; Pavement layers; Pavements; Soils; Stiffness; Strain (Mechanics); Subgrade (Pavements); Testing; Traffic loads
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bender element tests
• Subject Areas: Design; Freight Transportation; Geotechnology; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01051931
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0784408211
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 22 2007 9:18AM