Mechanistic Empirical Estimation of Remaining Service Life of Flexible Pavements Based on Simple Deflection Parameters: A Case Study for the State of Texas

Pavement deflection has been widely utilized as a nondestructive technique to evaluate the structural capacity of pavement structures at network and project levels. One of the most widely utilized devices is the falling weight deflectometer (FWD). This study aims to run an advanced computer simulation analyses to mimic the FWD deflection bowl obtained from the field. Transportation agencies utilize various indices based on FWD deflection data. However, this study will utilize newly developed deflection parameters based on the entire deflection bowl in the remaining service age prediction. The newly developed normalized comprehensive area ratio parameter (CA(r)') was successfully related to the tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt layer and the number of load repetitions to fatigue failure (N-f). The parameter was utilized to predict the remaining service life of thirty-five long term pavement performance (LTPP) sections in Texas. CA(r)' can be easily implemented in pavement management systems that would help state departments of transportation (DOTs) and local highway agency officials to make more informed decisions about most suitable maintenance and rehabilitation strategies.