Laser system for rolling wheel pavement deflection testing

Phoenix Scientific Inc. proposes a system for noncontact measurement of pavement deflection basin profile under a rolling wheel load. The system will also measure longitudinal profile and roughness. The sensing technology is based on scanned laser distance measurement (lidar). The system will be capable of oeprating from moving and stationary test load vehicles. System design and deflection profile analysis will incorporate results from dynamic 3-D finite element modling of the elastic, plastic, and visco-elastic responses of pavement structures. The system will eliminate traffic congestion and danger to personnel associated with current falling-weight testing which requires diversion of traffic from the area to perform stationary testing. Also, the system will increase the area and frequency of testing possible with available resources by operating from a moving vehicle.