Establishing Applicability of NDT Methods for Project-Level Evaluation

Nondestructive testing (NDT) devices have advanced significantly over the past decades, introducing tools like the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD), and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). However, their systematic application during the design stage has been limited. While operations such as FWD testing are well-established, ensuring consistent reproducibility and rapid data collection, the absence of standardized protocols has led to variable results, especially due to the non-unique nature of backcalculation processes in complex multilayer systems.

To improve the practical value of NDT devices, pragmatic approaches—such as using indices to quantify property contrasts within pavement layers—can provide interpretable insights for pavement engineers. This project aims to establish the effectiveness and probability of successful defect detection by traditional and new NDT methods. The goal is to assist pavement engineers in selecting the right NDT device for specific project needs by systematically documenting the probability of successful defect detection and establishing standardized protocols.

Soheil Nazarian

Rajib Mallick

Cesar Tirado