Advances in the Prediction of the Bearing Capacity of Road Flexible Pavements using GPR

Summary This work proposes an experimental-based model for the assessment of the bearing capacity of road-flexible pavements using ground-penetrating radar (GPR - 2 GHz horn antenna) and the Curviameter non-destructive testing (NDT) methods. It is known that the identification of early decay and loss of bearing capacity is a major challenge for effective maintenance of roads and the implementation of pavement management systems (PMSs). To this effect, a time-efficient methodology based on a quantitative modelling of road bearing capacity is developed in this study. The viability of using a GPR system in combination with the Curviameter NDT equipment is also proven.