Performance Evaluation of Flexible Pavements Using Falling Weight Deflectometer and Benkelman Beam Deflection Tests

Author

Sahil, Mr. Abhishek Kumar

Abstract

 Flexible pavements are continuously subjected to increasing traffic loads and environmental stresses, resulting in progressive structural deterioration that affects their serviceability and durability. Reliable evaluation of pavement structural condition is essential for implementing timely maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. This study investigates the performance of flexible pavements using two widely adopted non-destructive testing (NDT) methods: the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and the Benkelman Beam Deflection (BBD) test. Deflection data obtained from selected pavement sections were analyzed to assess structural capacity, load-bearing behavior, and pavement condition without causing damage to the pavement surface. The comparative analysis examined the accuracy, operational efficiency, and practical applicability of both testing methods in pavement evaluation. The results indicate that the FWD provides detailed information on pavement response under simulated dynamic loading, whereas the Benkelman Beam offers a simple and economical approach for field assessment under static loading conditions. Although differences were observed in measured deflection values, both techniques effectively identified pavement sections requiring maintenance or rehabilitation. The findings demonstrate that integrating FWD and BBD testing can enhance pavement condition assessment and support sustainable pavement management by enabling more informed maintenance planning and efficient allocation of transportation infrastructure resources.

Keywords

Flexible Pavement, Falling Weight Deflectometer, Benkelman Beam Deflection, Non-Destructive Testing, Pavement Structural Evaluation, Pavement Maintenance, Highway Engineering

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