State of the art of the use of strain gauges in roads

Abstract

This study explores the state of knowledge and state of practices regarding the use of strain gauges in road applications. It outlines the many types of strain gauges that have been used, there properties and how they are installed, pavement design evaluation for pavement with embedded sensors, the types of application in which strain gauges have been used and laboratory and field performance of different strain gauges embedded into the pavement.Typically, pavement construction with strain gauges are designed using same procedures as traditional pavement. The only common addition is how to introduce strain gauges to the pavement.A great deal of research has been conducted on the use of sensors in roads. Much of this research has focused on the laboratory and field benefit of using sensor in evaluating pavement performance. The results of this research have been mixed, especially regarding the use of sensors.The information reported here shows a number of gaps in the state of knowledge. It was found that the information to address the gaps was lacking or inconsistent. Although, the use of strain gauges to monitor road conditions in some application is quite well established and clearly successful to provide better understanding. Research is required to determine or clarify the following: Cost effectiveness of using strain gaugesThere is not guidance on constructionStandard method of collecting and interpreting strain gauges dataLong term performanceOverall, the reported success of strain gauges is quite promising. There use in some application in concrete structure is well established. Opportunity exist to increase the use of strain gauges in other applications, provided their benefit can be clearly and consistently demonstrated. point font.