Abstract

This project investigates the modulus and deformation behavior of granular base/subbase layers in airport pavements using three types of embedded sensors: bender element (BE) field sensors, coil sensors, and pressure cells. These sensors were installed in multiple test items at the Federal Aviation Administration’s Construction Cycle 9 (CC9) of the National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF). This report discusses the sensor instrumentation procedure, data collection during pre-traffic and traffic tests, and the analysis of measured data.

The objective of this research was to monitor and analyze the in situ resilient modulus characteristics of the constructed aggregate base layer using BE field sensors throughout the six test stages, including five pre-traffic test stages and the main traffic test stage, with realistic aircraft loading patterns. Additionally, researchers analyzed the deformation behavior of the granular base by collecting data from arrays of coil sensors installed in the depth profile. The experiment investigated the influence of load wander patterns, the impact of dynamic loading on base moduli, deformation characteristics of the granular base with depth, and the effect of geogrid stabilization on stiffness based on sensor measurements and analyses.

The findings of the NAPTF CC9 experiment were that embedded sensors serve as effective tools for monitoring and evaluating the behavior of granular base/subbase layers in airport pavements under various loading conditions.