What technique can be used to assess the condition of asphalt pavements?

Conducting functional and structural tests is an effective technique to assess the condition of asphalt pavements because it provides a comprehensive analysis of both the pavement's performance and structural integrity. Functional tests, such as skid resistance and roughness measurement, evaluate how well the pavement performs under traffic conditions. Structural tests, on the other hand, assess the load-bearing capacity and condition of the pavement layers, which can indicate issues like cracking, fatigue, or deformation.

Utilizing a combination of these tests allows engineers to identify specific problems within the pavement system, track deterioration over time, and make informed decisions regarding maintenance or rehabilitation needs. This multifaceted approach enables a better understanding of structural integrity and functional performance, ensuring that the pavement can meet safety and serviceability requirements.

Visual inspection alone might identify obvious surface issues, but it lacks the depth needed to understand underlying problems or assess pavement performance quantitively. Measuring temperature variations is important for understanding material behavior under temperature fluctuations, but it does not directly assess the pavement's condition. The weight load test can provide data on load-bearing capacity, yet it does not offer a full spectrum of information regarding functional performance or overall condition, which comprehensive tests would cover.