For any pavement rehabilitation project in Boise Idaho, a thorough existing pavement evaluation is required under ASTM D5340 and AASHTO R 90-18 to assess structural capacity and surface condition. The local freeze-thaw cycles and expansive clay subgrades common in the Treasure Valley make this step particularly critical — without accurate layer thickness and modulus data, overlays can fail within two seasons. Our team combines falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing with core sampling to generate reliable inputs for mechanistic-empirical design, and we integrate results with a subgrade CBR assessment to verify support conditions before any structural overlay is designed.
A pavement evaluation in Boise Idaho must account for freeze-thaw cycling and expansive clays to avoid premature overlay failure.
Method and coverage
Regional considerations
In Boise Idaho, many older pavements were built directly on silty clay subgrades without proper drainage. We often see cases where a thin asphalt surface masks a failed base that has already lost 60% of its structural capacity. Skipping a proper evaluation — or relying only on visual inspection — leads to overlays that crack within one winter because the underlying weak layer was never identified. The risk is compounded on arterial routes where traffic cannot be diverted; a premature failure means emergency repairs at double the cost. A full evaluation with deflection testing and coring removes that guesswork.
Process video
This service complements our laboratory testing work for a complete project analysis.
Standards that apply
ASTM D5340-19 (Standard Test Method for Airport Pavement Condition Index Surveys), AASHTO R 90-18 (Standard Practice for Evaluating Structural Capacity of Existing Pavements), ASTM D6433-20 (Standard Practice for Roads and Parking Lots Pavement Condition Index Surveys)
Related services
FWD Structural Evaluation
Falling weight deflectometer testing at 50-foot intervals to determine layer moduli and remaining life. Includes backcalculation per AASHTO T 256 and a structural number report suitable for overlay thickness design.
Core Sampling & Lab Testing
Extraction of 4-inch diameter cores at critical locations, followed by thickness measurement, Hveem stability, and extraction gradation. Results are directly used in the rehabilitation design process.
Typical parameters
Top questions
When is an existing pavement evaluation required in Boise Idaho?
It is required before any overlay, reconstruction, or widening project on existing asphalt or concrete pavements. The City of Boise and ACHD typically mandate it for all arterial and collector road rehabilitation projects to ensure the design addresses the actual in-situ conditions.
How much does an existing pavement evaluation cost in Boise Idaho?
The typical range for a full evaluation — including FWD testing, core sampling, and lab analysis — is between US$1.130 and US$3.900 depending on project size, number of cores, and traffic control needs. We provide a fixed-price quote after reviewing the project scope.
What is the difference between FWD testing and coring?
FWD testing measures the pavement's deflection under a known load, allowing backcalculation of layer moduli and structural capacity. Coring provides direct physical samples to measure thickness, material composition, and moisture condition. Both methods are complementary and typically used together.
Can you evaluate concrete pavements as well as asphalt?
Yes. We apply ASTM D5340 for concrete pavement condition surveys and use FWD testing with slab-specific load positions to assess joint load transfer and slab support. Coring is performed to verify thickness and to test concrete compressive strength per ASTM C39.