Leveraging Non-Destructive Testing in Superheavy Load Analysis on Flexible Pavements: Case Study

Abstract: An in-depth study completed in 2018 developed a comprehensive mechanistic-based analysis methodology for evaluating superheavy load (SHL) movement on flexible pavements (referred to subsequently as FHWA methodology). The study was initiated because of a lack of an established and all-inclusive analysis methodology. This FHWA methodology was integrated into the SuperPACK (Superheavy Load Pavement Analysis PaCKage) freeware. To facilitate the implementation of SuperPACK by users, a reasonable number of pilot case studies were considered and further evaluated. This presentation summarizes a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) pilot case study that applied the FHWA methodology for evaluating superheavy load (SHL) movement on flexible pavements. The case study focused on a heavily traversed route in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, where Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data were collected. Core samples were extracted to calibrate GPR data and determine in-situ asphalt layer properties. The TSD data complemented by the GPR data allowed for identifying critical pavement segments for further analysis. Laboratory tests, including dynamic modulus testing, were conducted to validate material properties, which were further confirmed by TSD-based backcalculated properties. A subsequent SuperPACK analysis evaluated the bearing capacity and serviceability limits for critical asphalt pavement segments to assess the pavement’s performance under SHL conditions.