Stiffness-Based Compaction Quality Assurance Testing Using Lightweight Deflectometers
Charles W. Schwartz
Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland - College Park
ABSTRACT: Elastic modulus is the fundamental material input required for the structural design of pavements. The Lightweight Deflectometer (LWD) is a portable device that can be used to measure the surface modulus of unbound layers directly in the field. Compaction control using lightweight deflectometers (LWD) is currently being evaluated in several states and countries and fully implemented for pavement construction quality assurance (QA) by a few. The methodology described by Schwartz provides a straightforward procedure for using LWDs for modulus-based compaction QA. This procedure is summarized in two modulus-based QA procedures/specifications suitable for practical implementation by field inspection personnel.
