Performance-Calibration of the novel full-scale test machine MLS10 for accelerated traffic simulation on Swiss roads (ASTRA2007/011)
Overview
Background & policy context:
The numerous tests for the project "U2000" performed on the Swiss circular test track "Rundlaufanlage" as well as on the heavy traffic motorway A2 in the vicinity of Sissach BL (tests that were partly also performed with the Model Mobile Load Simulator MLS3) provided a broad data basis for assessment of different mechanical performance data:
- Deformation stability of the different base course materials as a function of time, climate and load cycles
- Bearing capacity of different pavement structure as a function of the number of axle loads
- Compression and vertical deformation of bituminous layers under traffic
There was a need to verify the behavior determined and documented within "U2000" by comprehensive investigations
Objectives:
Goal is practical performance oriented calibration and validation of MLS10 accelerated pavement testing results through renewed testing of the "U2000" test sections and by comparing these results with the corresponding data from the comprehensive research "U2000". This means creating an assessment basis for the future use of the new full-scale testing equipment in Switzerland and to show the relationships between the data of the former Swiss circular test track (actual APT basis of experience) - in site performance - new MLS10.
Methodology:
There were identified three experimental road fields.
Before applying the loads all interesting quantities are measured.
- Surface geometry cross;
- Surface geometry;
- Layer thicknesses using geo-radar;
- Deflection under a 6-tonne wheel load;
- Geometry of the depression cavity (3-dimensional) with 6-ton wheel load;
- Compression of bituminous bound layers by means of built-in deformation meters;
- Temperature at the surface and in the depths -50mm, -150mm and -300mm;
- Vertical deformation using accelerometers.
The measurement campaigns are repeated every 50,000, 100,000, 250,000 and 500,000 axle load transitions.
This approach allows the direct calibration and validation of MLS10.
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