Nondestructive evaluation and in situ material characterization of jointed concrete pavement systems

Pavement performance is a function of the degree and extent of surface and subsurface distresses caused by load repetitions, environmental factors, and material degradation. This paper describes the use of nondestructive pavement deflection devices, non-contact radar and infrared thermographic surveys, and visual distress survey and coring to investigate the jointed concrete pavement performance in northern Mississippi. Three-dimensional finite element models were developed to simulate in-service conditions and to characterize in situ material properties. Significant reduction in effective in situ moduli is observed in the presence of cracks and voids.