01622840

Component

https://doi.org/10.3141/2640-06

Full-scale pavement testing often utilizes embedded instrumentation to measure the effect of traffic loading. As with any scientific measurement, confidence in the data from these sensors relies on proper calibration and installation. Manufacturers of sensors typically perform calibration tests before shipment, but these tests are not standardized. In addition, some manufacturers provide only one calibration sheet covering a batch of sensors, while others provide calibration results for each sensor. Many transducers are calibrated to produce voltage sensitivity factors; however, not all data acquisition systems accept these as inputs. This was the case at the pavement testing facility of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, where a new data acquisition system required gauge factors. This paper describes the development of a bench calibration testing procedure that uses a digital image correlation system to determine system gauge factors (SGFs) for two types of asphalt strain transducers. The calibration results clearly show that each transducer has a unique SGF that should be used when transforming collected strain data. Although the procedure that was developed produced consistent SGFs between tests, several improvements are recommended. The variations in SGFs found in this study demonstrate the need for fully understanding the calibration of strain transducers and the data acquisition systems to which they are connected.

01632437

17-02207

English

pp 49–57

2017

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

9780309441780

Digital/other

Figures (8) ; Photos; References (15) ; Tables (2)

Asphalt pavements; Calibration; Strain gages

Digital image correlation; Pavement testing; Strain transducers

Highways; Pavements

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Dec 8 2016 10:49AM

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