Measuring pavement deflections with sensors: a review
Last modified: 2024-05-06
Abstract
Pavement deflections measurements can be used as a quick and easy method for non-destructive determination of the structural capacity of existing pavement and evaluation of its ability to withstand future traffic loads. Pavement deflections are usually measured with Benkelman Beams, Le Croix-type deflectographs or Falling Weight Deflectometer.
In the last decades, an alternative deflection measuring solution, via deflection, velocity and acceleration measuring sensors embedded in the pavement has attracted more and more attention. Integration of sensors in the road pavement allows the assessment of the complete history of pavement response under real traffic, starting from sensor installation.
This paper will provide an overview of the sensors most commonly used for measuring deflections, linear variable differential transformers, geophones and accelerometers.