A master’s thesis from the College of Engineering at Al-Qadisiyah University discussed the feasibility of using a drop weight deflectometer to detect buried pipes or voids under the pavement.

The Department of Road and Transportation Engineering at the College of Engineering at Al-Qadisiyah University discussed a master’s thesis entitled “A Study of the Feasibility of Using a Drop Weight Deflection Meter to Detect Buried Pipes or Void Under the Pavement.” The thesis was written by researcher Mays Mahdi Saleh and supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Saif Imad Akobi and Professor Dr. Bassem Hassan Shanawa.

The aim of this research was to develop a simplified and accurate statistical equation to facilitate the interpretation of the results of the drop load deflection (FWD) test. This goal is to address the difficulties and problems that limit the rapid and direct use of FWD test results, which stem from the need for specialized and complex software packages (such as EVERCALC, MODULUS, and BISDEF) and high technical expertise to interpret the data.

The research also included the development of a simplified yet accurate statistical equation to facilitate the interpretation of FWD test results. The database used to develop the equation was created using a validated and robust three-dimensional finite element model, developed using the PLAXIS 3D software package. To validate the finite element model, the model’s predictions were compared with analytical and field studies. Additionally, the developed equation was tested using statistical accuracy tests using SPSS, demonstrating superior accuracy.