PSZ 19:16 (Pind.

1/07)
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

DECLARATION OF UNDERGRADUATE PROJECT REPORT AND COPYRIGHT

Author’s full name : Nurzahrin Bin Mohmad Barudin

Date of Birth : 28 November 1983

Title : Correlation between Functional Properties and Structural Properties of

Flexible Pavement

Academic Session : 2016/2017

I declare that this thesis is classified as:

CONFIDENTIAL (Contains confidential information under the Official Secret Act

1972)*

RESTRICTED (Contains restricted information as specified by the

organization where research was done)*

OPEN ACCESS I agree that my thesis to be published as online open access

 (full text)

I acknowledged that Universiti Teknologi Malaysia reserves the right as follows:

1. The thesis is the property of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

2. The Library of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has the right to make copies for the
purpose of research only.

3. The Library has the right to make copies of the thesis for academic exchange.

Certified by:

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE OF SUPERVISOR

831128-01-5883 Dr. HARYATI YAACOB

(NEW IC NO/PASSPORT) NAME OF SUPERVISOR

Date: 18 JUNE 2017 Date: 18 JUNE 2017

NOTES: * If the thesis is CONFIDENTAL or RESTRICTED, please attach with the letter from
the organization with period and reasons for confidentiality or restriction.
 “I hereby declare that I have read this report and in my
opinion this report is sufficient in terms of scope and quality for the
award of the Degree of Bachelor of Civil Engineering.”

Signature : ………………………….........
Name of Supervisor : Dr. HARYATI YAACOB
Date : 18 JUNE 2017.
CORRELATION BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND STRUCTURAL
PROPERTIES OF FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT

NURZAHRIN BIN MOHMAD BARUDIN

A report submitted in fulfilment of the

requirements for the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Civil Engineering

Faculty of Civil Engineering

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

JUNE 2017
 iv

I declare that this report entitled “Correlation between Functional Properties and
Structural Properties of Flexible Pavement” is the result of my own research except
as cited in the references. The report has not been accepted for any degree and is not
concurrently submitted in candidature of any other degree.

Signature : ....................................................
Name : NURZAHRIN BIN MOHMAD BARUDIN
Date : 18 JUNE 2017
 v

PRAISE BE TO GOD

IN THE NAME OF GOD ALMIGHTY

GRACIOUS MOST MERCIFUL

This thesis is dedicated to:

My great parents, who never stop giving of themselves in countless ways,

My dearest wife, who leads me through the valley of darkness with light of hope and
support,

For being my eyes, when I couldn't see,

For parting my lips, when I couldn't breathe,

Thank you for loving me.

My beloved sons; Zikry and Ziyad, sorry for the time I’m not there for you,

To all my family, the symbol of love and giving,

My friends who encourage and support me, you know who you are,

All the people in my life who touch my heart,

 vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Prima facea, I am grateful to the God Almighty for the good health and
wellbeing that were necessary to complete this thesis.

Foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Dr.

Haryati Yaacob for the continuous support of my study and research, for her
patience, motivation, enthusiasm, and immense knowledge. Her guidance helped me
in all the time of research and writing of this thesis. I could not have imagined having
a better advisor and mentor for my study.

Special thanks for the family and a beloved wife in give encouragement and
support to me to continue the study. Thank you for your patience and sacrifice.

My sincere thanks also go to all of the teammates members for their help and
supported me through this venture.

Finally, i want take this opportunity to express gratitude to the Selia

Engineering Sdn. Bhd and Jabatan Kerja Raya (D) Muar for the cooperation in
completing the study.

Thank you also for all those involved directly or indirectly in preparing this
thesis.
 vii

ABSTRAK

Sifat-sifat kefungsian dan sifat-sifat struktur adalah sangat penting dalam

menilai dan menentukan prestasi turapan. Kajian ini telah mengukur sifat-sifat fungsi
dan sifat-sifat struktur di jalan yang telah dipilih. Hubungan antara sifat-sifat ini telah
dibangunkan dan dikenal pasti. Kajian ini telah mengumpul 1198 bilangan data
Indeks Antarabangsa Kekasaran (IRI), aluran kedalaman dan kedalaman tekstur bagi
sifat-sifat kefungsian. Manakala bagi sifat-sifat struktur, 120 nombor elastik modulus
dan 12 nombor nisbah galas california (CBR) data telah diukur. Data-data ini telah
dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan Multi Laser Profiler (MLP), Falling Weight
Deflectometer (FWD) dan Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). Pengumpulan data
telah dilakukan sepanjang 60 km jalan bertempat di Muar. Analisis regresi
menunjukkan bahawa pekali korelasi, r yang diperolehi bagi semua parameter adalah
berhampiran dengan 0. Keputusan ini biasanya membuat kesimpulan bahawa tidak
ada hubungan antara sifat-sifat fungsi dan sifat-sifat struktur.
 viii

ABSTRACT

The functional properties and structural properties are very important in order
to evaluate and determine the pavements performance. This study had measured the
functional properties and structural properties on selected road. The correlations
between these properties were developed and identified. The study had collected
1198 numbers of data for International Roughness Index (IRI), Rut Depth and texture
depth. While for structural properties, 120 numbers of elastic Modulus and 12
numbers of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) data has been measured. These data have
been collected by using Multi Laser Profiler (MLP), Falling Weight Deflectometer
(FWD) and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). The data collection was done along
60 km of road located in Muar. Regression analysis shows that the coefficient of
correlation, R obtained for all parameter is near to 0. These results generally
conclude that there were no correlations between the functional properties and
structural properties.
 ix

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT vi
ABSTRAK vii
ABSTRACT viii
TABLE OF CONTENT ix
LIST OF TABLES xii
LIST OF FIGURES xiii
LIST OF ABBREAVIATIONS xv
LIST OF EQUATION xvii
LIST OF APPENDICES xviii

1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Background of Study 2
1.3 Problem Statement 3
1.4 Aims and Objectives of the Study 4
1.5 Scope of the study 5
1.6 Contribution of the Study 5
1.7 Summary of Chapters 6

2 LITERATURE REVIEW 7
2.1 Introduction 7
2.2 Flexible Pavement 9
2.3 Definitions of Pavement Layers 10
2.3.1 Bituminous Wearing Course 10
 x

2.3.2 Bituminous Binder Course 10

2.3.3 Road Base 11
2.3.4 Sub Base 11
2.3.5 Sub Grade 12
2.4 Functional Properties 12
2.4.1 International Roughness Index 13
2.4.2 Rut Depth 16
2.4.3 Texture Depth 17
2.5 Structural Properties 18
2.5.1 Elastic Modulus 19
2.5.2 California Bearing Ratio 20
2.6 Correlation between of Functional and Structural Properties
21
2.7 Summary 24

3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 25
3.1 Introduction 25
3.2 Location of Study 29
3.3 Multi Laser Profiler Test 31
3.4 Falling Weight Deflectometer 33
3.5 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer 36
3.6 Data Analysis 38
3.7 Summary 42

4 ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION 44

4.1 Introduction 44
4.2 Results 44
4.3 Functional Properties Data 45
4.4 Structural Properties Data 49
4.5 Correlation Functional Properties with Elastic Modulus 52
4.6 Correlation Functional Properties with California Bearing
Ratio 55
4.7 Correlation between Functional Properties 57
4.8 Discussion 59
 xi

4.9 Summary 61

5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 62

5.1 Introduction 62
5.2 Conclusion 62
5.3 Recommendation 63

REFERENCES 65
APPENDICES A-B
 xii

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE

Table 2.1 Stiffness Criteria & Ranges (MPa) (JKR, 1994) 20

Table 3.1 Testing Summary 28
Table 4.1 Pavement assessment criteria (OPUS, 2015) 45
Table 4.2 Functional properties result 46
Table 4.3 Material condition interpretation (JKR, 1994) 50
Table 4.4 Structural properties result 50
 xiii

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO TITLE PAGE

Figure 2.1 Distribution of references by topic area 8

Figure 2.2 Typical flexible pavement cross section (JKR, 2013). 9
Figure 2.3 IRI roughness scale (Sayers et al., 1986) 15
Figure 2.4 Micro and macro texture (JKR, 1994) 18
Figure 2.5 Relationship between percent change in IRI and SN. (Rada et a.l,
2012) 22
Figure 2.6 Correlation between IRI and MTD (Yero et al., 2012) 23
Figure 3.1 Research flow chart 27
Figure 3.2 Distribution of data 29
Figure 3.3 Maps of site location 30
Figure 3.4 Example of Multi Laser Profiler (http://ssesb.com.my/) 32
Figure 3.5 Example of Falling Weight Deflectometer (http://ssesb.com.my/) 34
Figure 3.6 Deflection bowl and materials characterisation (JKR, 1994). 35
Figure 3.7 Schematic of FWD Load and Deflection Measurement (Praveen et al.,
2014). 35
Figure 3.8 Schematics of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (JKR,1994). 37
Figure 3.9 Sample data collected for Multi Laser Profiler (MLP) test 39
Figure 3.10 Sample data collected for Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) Test
40
Figure 3.11 Sample data collected for Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) Test 41
Figure 4.1 IRI percentage distribution 47
Figure 4.2 Rut depth percentage distribution 48
Figure 4.3 Texture depth percentage distribution 49
Figure 4.4 Modulus elastic percentage distribution 51
 xiv

Figure 4.5 California bearing ratio percentage distribution 52

Figure 4.6 Correlation between elastic modulus and IRI 53
Figure 4.7 Correlation between elastic modulus and rut depth 54
Figure 4.8 Correlation between elastic modulus and texture depth 55
Figure 4.9 Correlation between CBR and IRI 56
Figure 4.10 Correlation between CBR and rut depth 57
Figure 4.11 Correlation between IRI and rut depth 58
Figure 4.12 Correlation between IRI and texture depth 59
 xv

LIST OF ABBREAVIATIONS

CBR - California Bearing Ratio

CDOT - Colorado Departments of Transport

DCP - Dynamic Cone Penetrometer

E - Elastic Modulus

ESAL - Equivalent Standard Axle Load

FT - Federal Trunk

FWD - Falling Weight Deflectometer

HMA - Hot Mix Asphalt

HMA - Hot Mix Asphalt

IRI - International Roughness Index

IRRE - International Road Roughness Experiment

JKR - Public Work Department

km/h - Kilometre per hour

m/km - Meters per kilometre

MHA - Malaysian Highway Authorities

MLP - Multi-Laser Profiler

mm/m - Millimetres per meter

MR - Resilient Modulus

MTD - Mean Texture Depth

NDT - Non-destructive testing

NSV - Network Survey Vehicle

 xvi

PCNs - Pavement Classification Numbers

PSI - Present Serviceability Index

PSR - Present Serviceability Rating

R - Correlation Coefficient

RN - Ride Number

SMTD - Sensor Measured Texture Depth

SN - Structural Number

USA - United State of America

 xvii

LIST OF EQUATION

NO EQUATION PAGE

3.1 10( ) = + 10 ( ) 37
 xviii

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX TITLE PAGE

APPENDIX A: Correlation Data for Structural (FWD) and Functional

(IRI, Rut Depth, Texture Depth) 68
APPENDIX B: Correlation Data for Structural (DCP) and Functional
(IRI, Rut Depth) 71
 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

In general, roads are divided into two types of flexible pavement and rigid
pavement. Between these two types of pavement, flexible pavement more
constructed and used in Malaysia. As we understand, flexible pavement requires
more observation after construction to ensure long-life pavement is able to provide
optimum service to users.

Observations to be considered is the nature of the functional properties and

structural properties of the pavement to determine the remaining life of the pavement
before rehabilitation work. This is important to ensure that consumers can use the
road safely and comfortably.

Pavement needs functional properties and structural properties in providing

quality services to motorist. In terms of flexible pavement serviceability, it could
have a correlation between functional properties and structural properties. This study
was conducted to see the existence of a correlation between functional and structural
properties of nature.
 2
*
1.2 Background of Study

Road has been used as a main transportation system connecting different

areas. Generally the road system for a country classified into several type such as
highway, National highway or federal routes, State or provincial highways,
municipal road and other roads including rural roads. In Malaysia legitimate road to
be gazette by the Federal authorities.

State highway agencies spend billions of money each year on the various
transportation infrastructure assets to meet legislative, agency, and public
expectations. Pavements are a major component of those transportation assets and
pavement rehabilitation is one of the most critical, costly and complex elements
preserving pavements to extend their service life and, more importantly, to improve
motorists safety and satisfaction, and to save public tax moneys. This is especially
true at present since a large percentage of the pavement networks are reaching the
end of their serviceable life, and pavement rehabilitation has become even more
daunting given the funding constraints faced by the highway agencies.

Pavement evaluation is carried out to determine the existing condition of

pavements in terms of its functional and structural adequacy. The data obtained from
such studies are used for deciding the type of maintenance operations required,
prioritization of maintenance works and for establishing a pavement maintenance
management system. Evaluation of pavement surface condition can be studied with
reference to the riding quality in terms of surface roughness, undulations cracking,
potholes and other surface distresses to get the functional properties. Diagnosing the
existing structural condition of individual layers of pavements as well as examining
the overall pavement strength is termed as structural evaluation to get the structural
properties. Functional properties and structural properties are key pavement
performance indicators. The relationship between these two indicators has been a
topic of frequent and continuing discussion in the pavement community, but to date
an accepted and widely used relationship has not been identified.
 3
*
There exist two types of pavement failures; consist functional failure and
structural failure. The first type is functional failure, describes pavement structures
incapable of carrying out their functions at the intended serviceability; causing
discomfort to passengers or high stresses to vehicles given their excessive roughness.
The second type is structural failure, describes pavement structures incapable of
carrying the traffic loads imposed. For example, structural failure is another
important indicator to making rational pavement investment decisions

These two types of failure may correlates with the functional properties and
structural properties. The conditions of flexible pavement are important to ensure the
roads are always in a safe and comfortable to use. Comfort and road safety is also
influenced by the nature of the functional properties and structural properties of the
road. Other than that, Material properties play a vital role to determine the structural
and functional performance of pavement layers during its service life

Therefore, determining the nature of the functional properties and structural

properties is important in the process of on-going road maintenance. Road
maintenance is done to restore the performance of a road depends on the types of
failures that happened. Therefore, this study will be focusing on correlation between
the functional properties and structure properties of flexible pavement.

1.3 Problem Statement

Functional properties and structural properties are two key performance

indicators, but the relationship between them is a topic of frequent and continuing
discussion in the pavement community. One could argue that ride quality as
functional properties is not an indicator of structural properties adequacy. However,
if the pavement is not properly designed, distresses will likely develop quickly,
 4
*
which could result in an increase in roughness. Perhaps this increase in roughness
could be related to structural properties adequacy.

Flexible pavements in Malaysia shall consist of various types of surface

layers and structures. Flexible pavements also have preferences with the multiple
pattern of damage caused either functional failure or structure failure or both.
Therefore, the functional properties and structural properties are very important in
order to evaluate and determine the pavements performance. There may be a
relationship between deterioration of functional properties and structural properties
of the pavement. From the functional and structural properties evaluation by certain
testing, the correlation of both properties can provide highway authorities on the
suitable rehabilitation method for the pavement.

1.4 Aims and Objectives of the Study

This study aims to;

i. To determine and assess the functional properties and structural

properties on selected road.

ii. To evaluate the correlation between structural properties and

functional properties on flexible pavement.
 5
*
1.5 Scope of the study

This research has involved three different site testing consists of Jalan Muar –
Yong Peng (FT24), Jalan Parit Yusuf (FT085) and Jalan Pintasan Muar (FT224). The
types of material on the road involved road are asphaltic concrete for surface layer
and crush aggregate for road base. This research focused only on data collection
relates to International Roughness Index (IRI), rut depth, texture depth, elastic
modulus and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by conducted non-destructive testing.
The scope of this study also involves determining the correlation between the
functional properties and structure properties.

1.6 Contribution of the Study

Assessment of pavement is important in ensuring that the type of road

damage can be made by using the appropriate method of treatment, and lasts longer.
This study shall provide useful data for determining the correlation between
functional properties and structure properties of flexible pavement surfaces. The
finding of this study will provide the information on the condition of functional
properties and structure properties for flexible pavement. This was done in an effort
to improve the evaluation and use of pavement condition data in pavement
rehabilitation planning and decisions. The result of the research also will be useful to
the road authorities such as Public Work Department (JKR) for planning further
maintenance and rehabilitation work.
 6
*
1.7 Summary of Chapters

Chapter 1 explained about the background of study and the problem of

statement. The aim and objective are defined in this chapter including the scope of
study and the contribution of this study.

Chapter 2 discussed about the literature review of this study. This chapter
explained the theoretical background of the study and discuss the work done by
previous researchers.

Chapter 3 discussed about the research methodology. This chapter described

the detail methodology used for this study. The research methodology includes
literature review, data collection, data analysis and conclusion.

Chapter 4 discussed about the analyses and the result base on the objective of
the study.

Chapter 5 discussed about the conclusion and the recommendation for this
study. The conclusion was based on the objective given at the initial study.
Recommendation for the further study is also highlighted in this chapter.
 7

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

A total of 23 references were identified in the literature and considered

relevant to this study. Each of these 23 references was reviewed by identifying the
reference type, source, objectives and goals, findings and observations, relevance to
the project, and other pertinent information. The majority (48%) of these references
was from journal and previous-related studies, and the remainder (26%) was from
conference paper and manual or standard from highway agencies. Figure 2.1 shows
the distribution of the 23 references by topic area.
 8
*

Figure 2.1: Distribution of references by topic area

Two references were identified during the literature search that closely related
to this study. The first one was a Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting
paper conducted by Rada, et al. (2012) on the Relating Ride Quality and Structural
Adequacy for Pavement Rehabilitation and Management Decisions. The second
study was performed by Jyoti and Rakesh (2015) on the Impact of Subgrade and
Granular Layer Material Properties on Rutting for American Journal of Civil
Engineering and Architecture,

This chapter will be discussing on the previous findings associated to the

functional properties and structure properties of flexible pavement. Through this
chapter, all the parameters that been mentioned before will be discuss in more
details.
 9
*
2.2 Flexible Pavement

Flexible pavements can be modelled as multi-layered elastic systems.

According to Manual for the structural design of flexible pavement (JKR, 2013)
Pavements are usually composed of layers of different materials; layering of payment
has a significant effect on its performance. Flexible pavement is composed of a
bituminous material surface course and underlying base and sub base courses. The
bituminous material is more often asphalt whose viscous nature allows significant
plastic deformation. Most asphalt surfaces are built on a gravel base, although some
'full depth' asphalt surfaces are built directly on the subgrade. Flexible Pavement is
so named as the pavement surface reflects the total deflection of all subsequent layers
due to the traffic load acting upon it.

The flexible pavement design is based on the load distributing characteristics

of a layered system. It transmits load to the subgrade through a combination of
layers. The typical flexible pavements cross section show on Figure 2.2. It is
constructed with a bituminous-treated surface or a relatively thin surface of hot-mix
asphalt (HMA) over one or more unbound base courses resting on a subgrade.

Figure 2.2: Typical flexible pavement cross section (JKR, 2013).

 10
*
2.3 Definitions of Pavement Layers

Pavements are usually composed of layers of different materials; layering of

pavement has significant effect on it performance. Composition, density and
thickness of paving materials such as bituminous materials, stabilized granular
materials, unbound granular road base and subcase shall be selected so that they
perform as an integral structure and meet intended performance requirements.

2.3.1 Bituminous Wearing Course

The wearing course is the upper layer in pavement. It consists of mineral

aggregate bound together with bitumen, laid in layers, and compacted. Aggregates
used for wearing course mixtures could be crushed rock, sand, gravel or slags.
Bituminous wearing course shall meet both structural (resistance to stresses and
strains imposed by traffic loads) and functional performance requirements; the latter
includes adequate durability (resistance to the disintegrating effects of climate), good
frictional characteristics and smoothness.

2.3.2 Bituminous Binder Course

Bituminous binder course is usually considered part of the surface layers of

pavement. Binder courses are designed to withstand the highest shear stresses that
occur about 50 - 70 mm below the pavement surface. The binder course is therefore
placed between the wearing course and road base to reduce rut depth by combining
qualities of stability and durability. A binder course shall have good resistance to
shear-induced distress, because shear stress is highest at depth of about 0.9 times the