ABSTRACT
Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD) is a modern device intended to assess pavement bearing capacity at traffic speeds, i.e. up to approximately 90 km/h. The main concept behind the TSD operations are the ultra-high speed sensors based on Doppler phenomenon. Several of those sensors are installed on the special beam inside the semi-trailer while its rear axle is loaded with a static load, typically 100 kN. In the first part, this paper provides a general information on the TSD, including its mechanical features, concept of operation, and data interpretation approaches. Since it is still relatively new device, there is no globally accepted approach in analyzing the TSD measurements. TSD has been so far used mainly on the network level however it can also provide detailed information on the project level. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the TSD measurements, a second part of this paper demonstrates example data and associated analysis for the network and project levels. Presented results show high effectiveness of the TSD measurements conducted at traffic speeds at both levels. It is believed that the TSD-type devices will enter soon routine pavement management activities and even more comprehensive systems will be developed.
