Standard Guide for General Pavement Deflection Measurements

1.1 This guide provides recommendations for measuring pavement deflections resulting from the application of a known transient load, a steady-state dynamic load, or an impulse load applied by a nondestructive deflection testing (NDT) device. Deflections are measured with sensors that monitor the vertical movement of the pavement surface. This guide describes the general information that should be obtained regardless of the type of testing device used.

1.2 This guide is applicable for deflection measurements made on flexible (asphalt concrete (AC)), rigid (Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) or continuously reinforced concrete (CRCP)), or composite (AC/PCC) pavements.

1.3 This guide provides general information that is required for three suggested levels of testing effort, as follows:

1.3.1 Level I -a general overview of pavement condition for network analysis.

1.3.2 Level II -a routine analysis of the pavement for purposes such as overlay or rehabilitation design projects.

1.3.3 Level III -a detailed or specific analysis of the pavement, such as the evaluation of joint efficiency or foundation support for PCC slabs.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information purposes only.

1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.