An unfortunate side effect of the information age is that it is so easy to amass vast tables of data that few individuals have the time to analyse or get any meaningful information from. A logjam of data is particularly evident in the field of highway performance assessment and rehabilitation. The search goes on for a comprehensive pavement management system that can accommodate and use the vast amounts of deflection data being generated by such nondestructive tools as the Dynaflect, falling weight deflectometer, and Road-Rater, plus other performance data such as skid resistance, ride quality, and so forth. An attempt to alleviate part of the logjam has been made by Testconsult CEBTP in developing a new test method for evaluation of concrete pavement support and, by processing the data on the test vehicle, in producing maps of the test results that can be readily used by the engineer. The aim is to incorporate this method into a program designed to maximise the efficiency of current nondestructive deflection testing methods. It will reduce the amount of data acquisition necessary by eliminating duplication and screening out areas that do not require more comprehensive testing.
Abstract