Pavement Analysis Using the FWD: Practical Difficulties and Proposed Simplifications

This paper describes the practical difficulties with current approaches to FWD data analysis and highlights recent research developments that have not generally been implemented in practice. A 'three level' approach to analysis of FWD deflections is proposed based on the degree of accuracy required, the complexity of the pavement and the amount of information available. Level 1 simply uses deflection parameters to deduce the pavement condition. Level 2 involves a standard back-analysis package for a two-layer representation of the pavement and Level 3 is recommended for more detailed analysis by an experienced pavement engineer for dealing with more complex pavement types or site circumstances.