Review, Research, and Improvement Recommendations of Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) Testing and Analysis Procedures

Status: Completed

Funding Agency: New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)

Abstract:

This study focuses on reviewing and improving Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) testing and backcalculation analysis procedures for integration into the NJDOT Pavement Design Manual. The Rowan team previously developed a draft FWD manual, which is now being revised to incorporate feedback from NJDOT and consultants. The study will compare methods for applying temperature and seasonal correction factors to both deflections and backcalculated moduli, and evaluate their impact on the effective structural number (SNeff). In addition, the latest AASHTOWare overlay design procedures and practices from other states will be reviewed to ensure consistency. The outcomes will deliver an updated FWD manual for New Jersey, ensuring practical use in the field and supporting efficient pavement rehabilitation design.

Investigators: Dr. Anil Kumar Baditha, PhD., Dr. Yusuf Mehta, PhD., Dr. Ayman Ali, PhD.

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