Evaluación de pavimentos en base a métodos no destructivos y análisis inverso, caso de estudio vía Chicti-Sevilla de Oro

Abstract

This research analyzes the feasibility and efficiency of the impact deflectometry to assess the structural capacity of pavements by applying back-calculation methodologies. Basic principles are presented first, such as the structural number, level of service, deflection, back-calculation, and modelling. Subsequently, focusing on pavement engineering and evaluation, the deterioration levels of existing pavements are quantified and qualified using condition indicators. A structural evaluation is performed applying the non-destructive testing of the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD). Furthermore, field data were processed implementing a Visual Basic code to analyze the resulting deflections in homogeneous sections and the back-calculation techniques proposed by AASHTO 93, LUKANEN, YONAPAVE and ROHDE. An adequate characterization of the pavement - subgrade system was correlated to the subgrade module using Ansys and Evercalcsoftwares, while the structural capacity was correlated to the representative deflection concept. Moreover, the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) was applied to provide a functional evaluation through road visual inspection. Finally, the conclusions about current road conditions and recommendations to future research lines that will transform the pavement engineering towards pavement management engineering, are presented.