Application of Dynamic Cone Penetrometer in Pavement Construction Control (05-0037)**
Murad Yusuf Abu-Farsakh, Louisiana State University
Munir D. Nazzal, Ohio University, Athens
Khalid A. Alshibli, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Ekram Seyman, Louisiana State University

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive testing program that was conducted to evaluate the potential use of the Dynamic Cone Pentrometer (DCP) device in the quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) procedure during the construction of pavement layers and embankments. The laboratory tests were conducted on different materials prepared inside two test boxes 1.5m x 0.9m x 0.9m (5ft x 3ft x 3ft) located at Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC). The field tests were conducted on different highway sections in Louisiana. In addition, nine test sections were constructed and tested at the Pavement Research facility (PRF) site of the LTRC. In all laboratory and field tests, DCP tests were conducted in companion with the Plate Load Test (PLT). In addition, Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) tests were conducted on the field sections. CBR laboratory tests were also performed on samples collected from the tested sections. Regression analysis was carried out on the collected data to correlate the DCP-PR with the three reference tests used in this study (PLT, FWD and CBR). Further field tests were conducted to verify the developed regression models. The results of these tests indicated that the developed models yielded good predictions of the measured FWD moduli and CBR values. This suggests that these models can be used to reliably evaluate the stiffness/strength of different pavement materials.