Development of the Triangular Model for Pavement Evaluation Using the Rolling Wheel Deflectometer

Abstract

Using the rolling wheel deflectometer (RWD), which measures pavement deflections at traffic speeds, offers the potential to characterize the structural capacity of the road network without major delays and to do so in a cost-effective way. To optimize using the RWD at the network level, an assessment tool is needed to incorporate RWD data into a current pavement management system (PMS) and to identify pavements in need of maintenance or rehabilitation. The objective of this study is to present the development of a screening tool, referred to as the pavement-assessment triangular model, to predict overall pavement conditions on the basis of RWD deflection, roughness measurements, and surface conditions as described by a pavement condition index (PCI). Formulation of the proposed tool and its application were based on data collected during evaluation and testing of RWDs in Louisiana. This screening tool may be used at the network level to identify sites in poor condition and to conduct additional testing using the falling weight deflectometer (FWD) on the identified sites or to select a rehabilitation treatment option based on RWD measurements and PMS data.