Evaluating in-situ pavement deflection using geophone and accelerometer signal processing: A case study of the E16 motorway in Sweden

Abstract

This research investigates the use of geophones and accelerometers for continuous pavement deflection monitoring under heavy vehicle loads. Traditional methods, such as the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), are effective but costly and limited in both spatial and temporal applicability. In contrast, embedded geophones and accelerometers offer continuous deflection measurements, capturing vertical velocity and acceleration data that can be processed to derive pavement deflection values. In this study, field tests were conducted on the E16 Motorway north of Borlänge in Sweden, with data processed through filtering, frequency transformations, and signal integration. Results indicate that sensor-based measurements align closely with theoretical deflections calculated via the elastic response software ERAPave, validating these sensors as cost-effective, scalable tools for pavement health monitoring. This approach demonstrates potential for continuous pavement assessment, supporting maintenance planning and promoting the durability of roads.