Study of Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP): Pavement Deflections

Appendix F. FWD SN 061, February 26, 1989– September 8, 1989

These previously reported sensor position errors were located in the database and also identified and analyzed using an automated screening version of SLIC for the two regions in which they occurred (Regions 2 and 4). The SLIC screening versions used were tailored for predicting the positions of both sensors 2 and 7. Since several of the sensors were positioned somewhat differently from protocol, it was necessary to use the overall SLIC regression fits to verify the positioning errors found. The first graph shown in this appendix (see figure 23) is a plot of all the SN #061 values of R² for the d2 regression fits during all of 1989 and the first half of 1990, for lane 1, drop height 4 FWD tests. The second graph (figure 24) is the same plot of all the values of R² for the d7 regression fits over the same period of time.

In figures 23 and 24, it can be clearly seen that the average R² values during the period of time in question were generally between 0.980 and 0.990 (actual arithmetic average = 0.987). Generally, when the FWD sensors used in the regression are correctly placed, the regression produces a value of R² of 0.998 or better, on average. Clearly the R² values differed significantly during the period in question. Individual plots, such as those reproduced in figures 25 to 29 in this appendix, corroborate that the reported sensor configuration was nonprotocol.

It should be noted that other forensic work previously conducted revealed the following probable (metric) sensor positions: 0, 200, 300, 600, 750, 1200, and 1800 mm. Based on detailed analyses of the data, as shown in figures 25 to 29 in this appendix, it is just as likely that the sensor positions used were 0, 8, 12, 24, 30.5, 48, and 72 inches. In fact, all five section-specific plots depict these sensor positions. However, both possible sets of sensor positions plot almost equally well; thus, either set can be used with a high degree of confidence—and very little difference in terms of backcalculation results, since both are roughly the same (proportionally) in the two different units of measurement.

In figures 25 through 29, the results shown graphically utilize gray lines and data points for the dates that include the erroneous data, which were taken between February and September 1989. The gray lines and points show the plots for all sensors in both the sensors’ actual (U.S. customary in these cases) and incorrect (protocol) offset positions. The portions of the gray lines that are parallel to the other data plots are the correct plots, with sensors d2 through d7 set to 0, 8, 12, 24, 30.5, 48, and 72 inches, respectively.

Because of this information, and the previous information supplied to FHWA, it can be concluded with certainty that the reported (protocol) sensor configuration was incorrect; rather, the correct configuration was either 0, 200, 300, 600, 750, 1200, and 1800 mm or 0, 8, 12, 24, 30.5, 48, and 72 inches on FWD SN #061 between February 26, 1989 and September 8, 1989. These dates correspond to the dates when lane 1 tests were conducted at drop height 4. This period of time may need to be extended slightly, if other tests were conducted along different lanes or at different drop heights. In any case, FWD tests conducted on or after September 11, 1989, indicate protocol sensor positions. FWD SN #061 was delivered to SHRP and driven to the Western Region sometime prior to February 26, 1989; all tests from the time of delivery through the beginning of September 1989 were conducted using the SLIC-determined sensor positions in lieu of the reported (protocol) positions.

Figure 23. Graph. R² model for d2 prediction, unit #061, 1989–90.

Figure 24. Graph. R² model for d7 prediction, unit #061, 1989–90.

Figure 25. Graph. SLIC plots for section 04–1017 including unit #061, April 1989.

Figure 26. Graph. SLIC plots for section 08–9020 including unit #061, June 1989.

Figure 27. Graph. SLIC plots for section 32–1030 including unit #061, February 1989.

Figure 28. Graph. SLIC plots for section 49–1017 including unit #061, April 1989.

Figure 29. Graph. SLIC plots for section 56–7773 including unit #061, June 1989.