Pavement Testing
I. Pre-Construction Stage Tests
1. Soil Classification (AASHTO M145 / ASTM D3282)
Purpose: To classify subgrade soils based on particle size and plasticity characteristics.
Methods and Materials: Soil samples are taken from proposed subgrade layers and tested
using:
- Sieve analysis (ASTM D6913) for grain-size distribution.
- Hydrometer analysis (ASTM D7928) for finer particles.
- Atterberg limits test (ASTM D4318) to determine Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit (PL), and
calculate Plasticity Index (PI = LL - PL).
Procedure:
1. Conduct sieve and hydrometer tests.
2. Determine LL and PL.
3. Calculate PI.
4. Use results to classify soil per AASHTO M145 (A-1 to A-7 classes).
Interpretation:
- Soils with lower Group Index (GI) values (e.g., A-1-a, A-2-4) are preferred for subgrade.
- Soils like A-7-6 indicate poor subgrade quality requiring improvement.
2. California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test (ASTM D1883 / AASHTO T193)
Purpose: To determine the strength of subgrade soil for pavement design.
Methods and Materials: Use compacted soil samples (soaked or unsoaked) in CBR molds.
Procedure:
1. Compact soil to specified moisture and density.
2. Soak sample for 4 days if required.
3. Penetrate piston at a rate of 1.25 mm/min.
4. Record load at 2.5 mm and 5 mm penetration depths.
5. Express load as a percentage of standard values.
Interpretation:
- CBR ≥ 20%: Suitable for base/subbase.
- CBR < 5%: Indicates weak subgrade needing stabilization.
3. Standard/Modified Proctor Compaction Test (ASTM D698/D1557 / AASHTO
T99/T180)
Purpose: To determine the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and Maximum Dry Density
(MDD) of soil.
Methods and Materials: Soil is compacted in a mold using a standard or modified hammer.
Procedure:
1. Compact soil at various moisture levels.
2. Determine and record dry density for each moisture content.
3. Plot dry density vs. moisture content to identify the peak (OMC and MDD).
Interpretation:
- Peak of the curve represents OMC and MDD.
- These parameters guide field compaction to achieve required density.
II. During Construction Stage Tests
1. In-Place Density Test – Nuclear Gauge (ASTM D6938 / AASHTO T310)
Purpose: To assess compaction quality of in-situ soil or asphalt layers.
Methods and Materials: A nuclear density gauge measures wet/dry density and moisture
content.
Procedure:
1. Position the gauge on compacted surface.
2. Take readings in direct transmission mode.
3. Compare results to Proctor MDD.
Interpretation:
- Minimum of 95% of lab MDD is required.
- Ensures adequate and uniform compaction.
2. Asphalt Content by Ignition Method (ASTM D6307 / AASHTO T308)
Purpose: To measure asphalt binder content in bituminous mixtures.
Methods and Materials: Asphalt mix samples and an ignition oven.
Procedure:
1. Weigh asphalt mix sample.
2. Burn off binder in ignition oven.
3. Weigh remaining aggregate.
4. Calculate asphalt binder content.
Interpretation:
- Compare actual vs. design binder content.
- Deviation > ±0.3% may affect mix quality and performance.
3. Marshall Stability and Flow Test (ASTM D6927 / AASHTO T245)
Purpose: To determine strength and flow characteristics of asphalt mixes.
Methods and Materials: Cylindrical specimens compacted using Marshall hammer.
Procedure:
1. Compact sample using specified number of blows.
2. Condition in a 60°C water bath.
3. Apply load in testing apparatus.
4. Record maximum load (stability) and flow (mm).
Interpretation:
- Stability > 8 kN and flow of 2–4 mm indicate good performance.
III. Post-Construction / Service Life Tests
1. Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) Test (AASHTO T256)
Purpose: To evaluate the structural capacity and layer stiffness of pavement.
Methods and Materials: FWD equipment simulates traffic loads using falling weights.
Procedure:
1. Apply dynamic load via falling weight.
2. Record deflections using geophones at radial distances.
3. Use back-calculation to estimate pavement layer moduli.
Interpretation:
- High deflection values may indicate weak or deteriorating pavement layers.
2. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) – ASTM D6433
Purpose: To visually assess pavement surface condition.
Methods and Materials: Visual survey based on ASTM standards.
Procedure:
1. Divide pavement into inspection units (~5000 [Link]).
2. Document and rate distresses like cracking, rutting, and potholes.
3. Assign deduct values to calculate PCI (scale 0–100).
Interpretation:
- PCI > 85: Excellent condition.
- PCI < 55: Major rehabilitation recommended.
3. Skid Resistance Test – ASTM E274 (Locked Wheel Skid Tester)
Purpose: To evaluate pavement surface friction and safety.
Methods and Materials: Locked wheel skid trailer with test tire and water application.
Procedure:
1. Tow trailer at 64 km/h.
2. Apply water ahead of the locked test wheel.
3. Measure drag force and calculate Skid Number (SN).
Interpretation:
- SN > 40: Acceptable skid resistance.
- SN < 30: Unsafe, may require resurfacing.