Bottom-up crack detection in concrete pavements using in-pavement strain sensors

Bottom-up crack may occur in concrete pavement with the increase of loads by traffic and environmental effect. Cracking in concrete pavements would produce serious damages in pavements since it induces water penetration in pavement structure and foundation. However, currently, most of the distress detection system available in market can only detect the surface cracks show up. Cracks hidden under the surface, especially, bottom-up cracks in pavements are very challenging to be detected. This paper introduces potentials to use in-pavement point sensors to detect the existence of bottom–up cracks and characterize them for future maintenance decisions. The stress intensity principal is used in this study to determine the locations and lengths of cracks. Upon validation, this study will significantly impact the current pavement detection practice to detect hidden bottom-up cracks.