Analysis of a moving measurement platform based on line profile sensors for project-level pavement evaluation

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in developing Moving Measurement Platforms (MMPs) to replace the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) which currently serves as the industry standard for project-level pavement evaluation. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the transition efforts from FWD to MMPs. While focusing on a new MMP device (called Raptor) based on line profile sensing technology, the work addressed three fundamental aspects needed for eventual field data assessment and industry acceptance: (i) Loading and measurement setup – presenting an innovative device consisting of a beam equipped with several line profilers and also motion tracking sensors. By means of image analysis, this configuration allows for tracking a point on the pavement surface and measuring displacement information while moving. (ii) Interpretation method – capable of accepting device-measured data as input, and providing elastic properties for a layered pavement model. (iii) Sensitivity to measurement errors – where the interpretation method is first validated and then interrogated for error effects on the inferred moduli. Overall, the obtained results provide basic confidence in the device and the interpretation method, and demonstrate that the technology has the potential to meet project-level pavement evaluation needs.