Two methods of nondestructive testing of pavements (deflection basin measurement and surface wave propagation measurement) are compared. The assumptions associated with each are examined. Ideally, both methods should provide the same values of modulus for each layer in the pavement system if appropriate mathematical models are used and accurate field data are obtained. Falling weight deflectometer andspectral analysis of surface wave (sasw) tests were performed at five sites on a variety of different pavement systems. Results are compared and discussed. Because of the high contrast in modulus (or wave propagation velocity) between the pavement and the base, accurate values of modulus for granular base materials were difficult to obtain for both methods. Moduli for base materials obtained by the sasw method appeared to be more reasonable. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1278, Dynamic testing of aggregates and soils and lateral stress measurements 1990.
Abstract