Evaluating Runway Pavements at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Continuous Deflection Profiles Measured with the Rolling Dynamic Deflectometer

Abstract

The rolling dynamic deflectometer (RDD) is a relatively new tool for assessing the condition of pavements. Continuous deflection profiles, rather than deflections at discrete points, are measured with the RDD. The results of RDD tests on two runways at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) are presented. These results illustrate how continuous deflection profiles can be used to assess the condition of pavements without the use of backcalculation. Continuous deflection profiles allow sections of pavement exhibiting large or anomalous deflections to be quickly and easily identified. The extent to which pavements are damaged and degraded can be determined by comparison of the deflections of intact, lightly trafficked pavements with the deflections of the pavements in question. The condition and load transfer capacity of all transverse joints and cracks in rigid pavements can be determined by observation of the measured deflections as the RDD approaches and crosses each joint or crack. The RDD is a valuable tool for rapidly identifying regions of pavement requiring rehabilitation. Critical regions of pavement identified with the RDD for possible rehabilitation can be studied further with use of traditional discrete testing methods. These capabilities make the RDD a valuable tool in airfield pavement management.