Methodology of layers’ compaction control through dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP)

The technological compaction control is fundamental to assure its performance during span life. Especially in developing countries, many pavements are constructed without technical control or standards due to a lack of equipment and accessible technologies. The dynamic cone penetrometer is a device used to evaluate the pavement layers’ stiffness quality. This paper proposes a geotechnical methodology for unpaved roads, using the subgrade soil thickness already consolidated by the traffic as a structural layer in the pavement design. The relationship between the dynamic cone penetrometer index and the California Bearing Ratio was established for studied subgrade soils. Tests to evaluate the indexes were performed under dry conditions, both at the laboratory and field. At least 20 cm of subgrade thickness could be considered a layer in the pavement design for the cross-sections evaluated. The dynamic cone penetrometer showed an appropriate tool for designing and controlling technological pavement layers, providing layers’ identification and measuring the stiffness capacity.