Expansion method and application of initial deflection data for asphalt pavement based on the unascertained number theory: a case study

Abstract

Deflection is an essential parameter for pavement structural condition assessment. For the total pavement section length, sample size for deflection data is relatively small, which makes it challenging to characterize the pavement structural properties. To solve the problem, an expansion method for the initial deflection data based on unascertained number theory was proposed in this study. And the decay evaluation of the pavement structure strength during service was conducted based on pavement deflection samples before and after expansion. Results showed that after expansion, deflection sample size increases exponentially and the deflection range was broadened significantly. And the decay analysis of the pavement structure strength ratios at two – and three-years demonstrated that the expanded deflection sample can lead to a more reasonable evaluation of the initial pavement structural performance. The study can help to understand the decay laws of the pavement structure performance to make pavement maintenance plans more rationally.