The purpose of this study was to examine the value and need for network-level pavement deflection data to support road asset management decisions. The outcomes of the study will provide critical input to decisions to undertake network-level strength assessment across Australia and New Zealand. By means of a questionnaire survey directed to eight member agencies (MAs) regarding deflection data from the Danish Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD), the study identifies and clarifies current perceptions and realities regarding the benefits and risks of network-level deflection data including its current uses, limitations and opportunities. The survey found that there is strong support among most MAs for network-level strength assessment if a device, such as the TSD, was available provided some identified technical concerns are resolved. Most of the survey respondents favoured the use of the TSD as a screening tool to identify the weak and vulnerable pavements in the road network. The next most favoured use of the TSD was for the estimation of major rehabilitation and reconstruction budgets. (Author/publisher)
Abstract