Technical information

1-3
only. Therefore, the problem is how to interpret APT experimental results such that they
could be applied to different environmental and loading conditions.
The main objective of this study is to devise and validate an analysis scheme by
which experimental data collected in the APT experiment can be used to successfully
forecast the corresponding pavement behavior at the NCAT test track. The analysis
scheme is based on mechanistic principals in order to provide a rational basis for the
interpretation and allow the incorporation of different complexity levels depending on
the desired accuracy of the outcome. The work includes an underlying basic assumption
that the pavement structures in both cases were similar. It is beyond the scope of this
research to consider the case of different structures.
Focus is placed on the analysis of responses, i.e., stresses, strains and
deflections, and less on cracking and rutting performance. This is mainly because
accurate response prediction is the underlying key for reliable performance forecasting
and due to a scarcity of adequate performance data from both experiments. Moreover, it
is important to note that only resilient (recoverable) responses will be addressed. This is
mainly because the type of embedded instrumentation installed in both experiments was
only suited for monitoring dynamic (transient) pavement reactions and not for recording
permanent (irrecoverable) responses. In fact, this latter point is a known shortcoming of
all available strain and stress gauges commercially available at this time.
This study has also a secondary objective which is to summarize the work
performed and document the available experimental data. A clear description of what
was done, how it was done and what data was collected may encourage additional
studies using the existing records.
1.3 WORK PLAN
The initial work plan, described in a previous report by Llenín and Pellinen (2004),
consisted of tasks related to construction of the APT experiment and execution of the
accompanying laboratory tests (see Appendix C). At this time test data from both the
APT and NCAT experiments are available; therefore, the work plan outlined herein