DYNAMIC PAVEMENT DEFLECTION

Dynamic pavement deflection measurements for bituminous concrete pavements of two and three-quarter, five and seven-eights, and seven and one-half inches in thickness under moving axle loads of 15,000, 18,000, and 22,000 pounds were obtained at speeds of 10, 25 and 45 miles per hour. The results of these dynamic measurements were analyzed and compared to Benkelman beam measurements. The data indicated that slow moving loads have greater adverse effect (larger deflections) on the pavement than the high speed loads. The results also show that the bituminous pavement undergoes numerous vertical fluctuations and bending as the front and rear axles approached the point of measurement. The magnitude of the vertical displacement was measured via the means of an accelerometer and double integrator. For the particular pavement under study, the more significant findings were: 1. While the electronic equipment functions properly and produced good results, the equipment does not lend itself to be a convenient tool for designing pavements. 2. When values of the dynamic deflections were in the magnitude of 0.07 through 0.10 inches, there was evidence of pavement failure. When the deflection values were above 0.10 inches pavement failures were distinct. (FHWA)