Evaluating the Structural Strength of Flexible Pavements in Taiwan Using the Falling Weight Deflectometer

This study involves the application of an Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) (JILS-20) on numerous test sections in Taiwan. The goal is to develop a temperature correction equation and to establish a structural evaluation system, Structural strength index (SSI), for rapid and reliable assessment of pavement structural conditions. The SSI evaluation system will assist transportation authorities in prioritizing routine preventive maintenance and rehabilitation needs. Temperature correction factors were established based on the 1176 FWD tests on two specific built test sections. Thus, the effects of traffic load on pavement sections can be eliminated. Comparisons of temperature correction factors with other studies were performed. Though, it is interesting to find that in those studies temperature correction factors for deflection were developed under different climatic conditions and pavement structures, the temperature correction factors differ, in average, by only 13%. Three significant indicators for upp...