Enhanced processing of low signal-to-noise-ratio dynamic signals from pavement testing

•Strain sensors were embedded at the bottom of the HMA layer for on-site, real-time strain measurements.•The adaptive maximum energy ratio method was proposed to enhance the picked arrival of strain responses.•The standard deviation method divided the strain signals into the load foreground area and background noise disturbances.•A computer software was developed for automatic processing of large batches of strain response data.