Prediction of critical responses in full-depth asphalt pavements using the falling weight deflectometer deflection basin parameters

Abstract

Even though critical strain is the most reliable parameter for evaluating pavement structural conditions, it is difficult to regularly measure for in-service pavements. This study conducted finite element analyses to develop critical strain prediction models for full-depth asphalt pavements using the falling weight deflectometer deflection basin parameters. The parameters “area under pavement profile” and “base damage index” are shown to correlate well with critical strains and are used as input parameters. The developed models accurately predict critical strains, which can be incorporated into pavement management system to estimate the current pavement structural conditions, in terms of cracking and rutting.