Propagation of Surface Waves in Asphalt Pavements Generated by Different Load Impulse of Falling Weight Deflectometer

The propagation of waves generated by load impulse of two FWD types was assessed using test outputs in the form of time history data. The calculated travel time of wave between the receiver in the centre of load and others receivers showed the contradiction with the theory as for the receivers up to 600 (900) mm from the centre of load. Therefore, data collected by the sensors positioned at the distance of 1200 and 1500 mm were used.

The influence of load magnitude on the waves propagation was investigated via the different load force with approximately the same load time and vice versa. Expectations relating to the travel time of waves, depending on the differences of load impulse, were not met. The shorter travel time of waves was detected in the case of the lower frequencies. The use of load impulse magnitude as a possible explanation was not successful because opposite tendencies in travel time were noticed.