Investigation of 3D-Move Responses Under Traffic Speed Deflection Devices (TSDDs)

Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD) and Rolling Wheel Deflectometer (RWD) that measure surface deflections at posted traffic speeds (up to 80–96 kph) are being used in several countries to evaluate structural condition at network level. Incorporating these devices to Pavement Management System (PMS) application requires an analysis methodology for enabling the use of device measurements. 3D-Move Analysis evaluates pavement response using a continuum-based finite-layer approach. Since 3D-Move has the capability of modeling moving load and the resulting dynamic pavement responses, it is ideally-suited to simulate pavement responses generated by these devices that move at high-speeds. A recently completed FHWA study conducted field trials that used TSDDs where in situ pavement response measurements at the MnROAD test site were made and calibration of the 3D-Move model for application with TSDD loading was carried out. Many calibration runs were performed and 3D-Move model provided a good match with a variety of independent pavement responses that included surface deflection bowls (measured using embedded geophone sensors) as well as horizontal strains at the bottom of the Asphalt Concrete (AC) layers (measured using embedded sensors). Using the calibrated 3D-Move software, an analytical investigation was then undertaken to explore relationships between load-induced pavement structural-related responses and the corresponding surface deflection basin related indices from TSDDs.