RAPID DETERMINATION OF MODULI WITH SPECTRAL-ANALYSIS-OF-SURFACE-WAVES METHOD. FINAL REPORT

The Spectral-Analysis-of-Surface-Waves (SASW) method has been used as a nondestructive test method for determining elastic modulus profiles of pavement systems. To implement the method in day-to-day activities of any pavement evaluation program, three steps are necessary. First, field data acquisition should be carried out rapidly. This has been achieved by utilizing a newly-developed device called the Seismic Pavement Analyzer (patent pending). Second, the raw data should be manipulated to a dispersion curve in an automated manner. An algorithm has been developed which can perform this task. The last step is to determine the elastic modulus of different layers from the dispersion curve. A backcalculation technique based upon the generalized inverse theory is developed. The technique provides a fast and automated procedure for simultaneously determining moduli and thickness of pavements. In addition, some description of uncertainty in the backcalculated results is provided. In this report, the development of these algorithms is discussed. The speed and accuracy as well as the limitations of the algorithms are demonstrated. Several actual field case histories are included to exhibit the usefulness of the method in actual field testing.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Research study title: Automated Equipment for Characterizing the Properties and Thicknesses of Pavement Layers.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Texas, El Paso

  Center for Geotechnical and Highway Materials Research
  El Paso, TX  United States  79968-0516

  Texas Department of Transportation

  Research and Technology Transfer Office, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763-5051

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Nazarian, S
  • Yuan, D
  • Baker, M R
• Publication Date: 1995-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 94 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algorithms; Backcalculation; Case studies; Data collection; Field tests; Modulus of elasticity; Nondestructive tests; Pavements; Rayleigh waves; Spectrum analysis; Structural tests; Thickness; Uncertainty
• Candidate Terms: Spectral analysis of surface waves
• Uncontrolled Terms: Pavement thickness; Seismic pavement analyzers
• Old TRIS Terms: Dispersion curves; Pavement tests
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00720263
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-94+1243-1, Res Rept 1243-1
• Contract Numbers: Study 0-1243
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Apr 23 1996 12:00AM