Subsurface drainage influence on deflection basin parameters: Case study in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

According to AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures (1993), subdrainage is an important consideration in resurfacing, restoration and rehabilitation of pavement systems. Deflection measurements taken at periodic intervals can be compared to those obtained after construction to determine whether or not drainage system is functioning properly. Using data from deflectometer measurements on an experimental highway sections, this study verifies the sensitivity of pavement structure to the deleterious effects under the presence of moisture within pavement structure by analyzing maximum deflection and other parameters to characterize the pavement deflection basin. Based on analysis of the results of deflection basin parameters under dry and wet conditions, using fatigue models available in technical literature, it was estimated the decrease of the remaining life of a particular pavement structure in function of subsurface drainage system. The likely performances of the pavement under different moisture condition levels are also analyzed through the reduction of serviceability using the AASHTO model. © Copyright 2016 by Mairepav8 2016 Organizers.