Developments in pavement structural design and maintenance

Improved techniques involving the falling weight deflectometer for structural evaluation have provided an extensive database of knowledge on how pavements perform in service. These techniques can be improved and extended linking nondestructive testing and materials testing more closely to provide improved assessment of existing pavements. Developments in laboratory and field testing of pavement foundations should provide an important basis for dealing with this important part of the structure. The emphasis should be on the application of soil mechanics principles and less reliance on empirical index tests. Improved low cost field instrumentation is being developed for pavements. (Original abstract - amended)