A RIGID PAVEMENT STRUCTURAL EVALUATION SYSTEM BASED ON DYNAMIC DEFLECTIONS

This paper provides a description of the computer program RPEDD1 for mechanistic evaluation of dynamic deflection data, measured on rigid pavements by dynamic load nondestructive testing devices such as a Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) or a Dynaflect. Analysis models used in RPEDD1 include a self-iterative procedure to determine in-situ moduli of pavement layers using a layered elastic theory, a self-iterative procedure for determination of non-linear strain dependent moduli of granular layers and subgrade, and a procedure to predict fatigue life and existing structural capacity. A methodology was developed to ensure uniqueness of the estimated in-situ moduli. Deflection basins measured by FWD or Dynaflect can be analyzed by RPEDD1 in a few iterations to determine unique values of pavement moduli. The guidelines given for application of the structural evaluation system provide a rational approach to rehabilitation design.