A NEW APPROACH TO NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF PAVEMENT STRUCTURES USING THE ROLLING DYNAMIC DEFLECTOMETER

Abstract

This paper describes the use of the Rolling Dynamic Deflectometer (RDD) at two different sites as an example of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of pavement structures for a qualitative analysis of the continuous deflection profile. A comparison of sections with different deflection profiles allowed engineers to identify relative differences in support conditions for the portland cement concrete slabs, cut and fill sections associated with the initial construction, and other discontinuities in the pavement structure. Additional research recommended for future locations includes tying the continuous deflection profile to discrete measurements taken by coring and performing laboratory tests as well as falling weight deflectometer (FWD) measurements and backcalculation to characterize the materials in the pavement. Other future uses of the RDD are also recommended.