Initial investigation into development of accelerated pavement evaluation (APE) vehicle

Abstract

CSIR Transportek has for many years been at the forefront of Accelerating Pavement Testing (APT) technology. The use of the HVS for research purpose has attracted much attention. One aspect of the HVS's capabilities has not been used that often. This is the option of using the HVS to proof-test a newly constructed or in-service pavement or even to only evaluate the pavement response qualitatively over a very short period. The problem addressed in this report is investigate the opportunity to develop a method by which a full pavement structure can be proof-tested in a very short time-span without the limitations that the current HVS-approach will provide. An amount of funding was obtained through the ADHI funding process to perform an initial feasibility study and preliminary market analysis on the development of a device to perform this evaluation role. Based on the information provided and the discussions in this STEP Report, the following conclusions are drawn: The technical need for the APE vehicle may exist with potential clients, although they may not be able to understand the possible usefulness of the device as yet; More detailed data of typical applications and potential use will be required to enable potential clients to support the further development of the APE vehicle concept; The development of a gravel road deterioration device may be a more urgent requirement in the light of the absence of such devices and the high number of these roads internationally. Based on the information provided and the discussions in this Technical Report, the following recommendations are made: An investigation into the possible development of a gravel road evaluation device should be performed, and An investigatory test should be done where an FWD is used to provide the load and these data then be used to market the concept to potential clients.