Application of RDD Continuous Profiling in Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Concrete Pavements

Abstract

The Rolling Dynamic Deflectometer (RDD) is a nondestructive testing device that is used to evaluate the structural conditions of pavement systems. Unlike discrete deflection measurements such as the Falling Weight Deflectometer and Dynaflect, the RDD provides continuous deflection profiles that enable 100% coverage along the testing lane. The continuous deflection profiles have been used to delineate poorly performing areas to be repaired, develop input for pavement forensic studies, select rehabilitation treatments, and monitor pavement deterioration rates. In this paper, the patterns in RDD deflection data which represent four different structural conditions (with respect to joint load transfer and slab support) in jointed concrete pavements (JCP) are presented and discussed. Then, results from RDD tests used in three project-level studies are presented. The first project involved a continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) with an asphalt overlay. RDD measurements were used to measure the relative improvement due to the overlay rehabilitation and also monitor the pavement deterioration rate with time. The second project involved a JCP with longitudinal cracking. RDD deflection profiles were used to delineate poorly performing areas due to poor slab-support conditions and identify potential locations of reflective cracking. The third project involved a JCP with faulting. RDD deflection profiles were used to identify locations that needed either dowel-bar retrofit or full-depth repair.