<p><p><strong>Reference(s):</strong></p><p><em>Al-Qadi et al. (1996, 2006)<br>Anderson et al. (1989)<br>Holtz et al. (2008)<br>Perkins (1999, 2002, 2009)<br>Webster (1992)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>Tests are run in the field to ensure existing and constructed subgrade and base courses meet the assumed properties by the designer. These tests include:<br><ul> <li>Plate Load Test (ASTM 1196)</li> <li>Vane Shear (ASTM D2573-08)</li> <li>Sand Cone Test (ASTM D1556)</li> <li>Nuclear Density Gauge</li> <li>Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (ASTM 6951)</li> <li>Falling Weight Deflectometer (ASTM 4694)</li> <li>Lightweight Falling Weight Deflectometer (ASTM E2583)</li></ul><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>The in-situ tests are well established and generally accepted. Accuracy and precision will depend on the frequency of tests and the consistency of field conditions.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>Adequacy and coverage will depend on the frequency of tests and the consistency of field conditions. Because the tests are for a limited area and dependent on the speed of current construction methods, these field tests do not generally give an overall assessment of project uniformity (Christopher et al. 2010).</p><p><strong>Implementation Requirements </strong></p><p>Implementation of standard ASTM tests is straight forward and easy to incorporate into a QC/QA program. Responsibility of the QC/QA procedures will depend on the specification.</p><p><strong> </strong><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>For both the Empirical Design Method and the Mechanistic-Empirical Design Method, it is necessary to confirm that the properties of the materials that make up the pavement section are the same as those used in the design. It is also recommended that if a field test such as a nuclear density test is run, the sand cone test should be used to verify the accuracy of the equipment. As the transition is made from the Empirical Design Method to the Mechanistic-Empirical Design Method, field tests may need to be adjusted and expanded to take full advantage of the improved accuracy of the Mechanistic-Empirical Design Method.</p></p>