An alternative method for determination of compaction level for the pavement granular layers

Abstract

The performance and bearing capacity of the flexible pavement structure is ensured by providing necessary foundation comprised of unbound granular material (UGM) layers and subgrade. Whin this paper the compaction level parameters and deformation modulus relations determined for UGM layers and subgrade in construction site. The experimental data were tested applied standardized and improved test methods, such as an alternative falling weight deflectometer (FWD) test method with repetitive load, the plate load tester, lightweight deflectometer, dynamic cone penetrometer, and density Proctor tests. The data were analyzed based on statistical comparison of the compaction parameters, pairwise multiple comparison of test methods, clustering procedure for setting a level of compaction evidence and variance determination. Results proved capabilities of the alternative FWD test method under repetitive load to assess the relative compactness rate and the resilient responses, and provided the regression models of the dynamic modulus of the UGM layers and subgrade.

KEYWORDS:

• Unbound granular material
• dynamic modulus
• deformation modulus
• quality control
• compaction ratio

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the contributions of the Lithuanian Road Administration for providing funds for this research work. In addition, the authors would like to thank PhD candidate Martynas Karbočius for performing tests with the falling weight deflectometer, and Dr. Ovidijus Šernas for valuable consultations and managing all other tests by the laboratory of the Road Research Institute of VILNIUS TECH. The authors confirm contribution to the paper as follows: study conception and design: R. Kleizienė, A. Vaitkus; analysis and interpretation of results: R. Kleizienė, A. Zofka, and R. Simanavičienė; draft manuscript preparation: R. Kleizienė and R. Simanavičienė. All authors reviewed the results and approved the final version of the manuscript and conclusions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by Lithuanian Road Administration.