Multi-level backcalculation algorithm for robust determination of pavement layers parameters

The backcalculation procedure applied to a mechanical characterization of the road pavement is usually limited to an identification of the elastic modulus of each layer only. The remaining parameters of the model are usually set as known, while performing an inverse analysis. Among assumed parameters are thicknesses of the model layers and frequently considered as constants on a homogeneous section of the road. This is an obvious simplification, because sections in general are inhomogeneous, i.e. the thickness of each layer changes slightly along each road section. Thus the precise and possibly nondestructive estimation of the layers thicknesses is very important and crucial in the inverse procedure. Here, a hybrid form of the optimization algorithm, where the condition of a constant thickness does not need to be fulfilled is described. Further on, the objective function is formed as a discrepancy between reference and computed deflection derivative instead of a deflection curve. In consequence, the values of backcalculated parameters are several per cent more precise compared to a standard procedure. Whenever the thickness of the asphalt layer of the pavement structure cannot be assumed a priori as a constant, the proposed here method appears to be necessary if one does not want to perform costly and destructive in situ drilling tests.