Investigation and Development of a Non-Destructive System to Evaluate Critical Properties of Asphalt Pavements during the Compaction Process

The purpose of this report is to present findings from a two-stage investigation to develop a non-destructive system to evaluate critical properties and characteristics of asphalt pavements during the compaction process. The first stage aligned critical properties and characteristics with available non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies. A quantitative ranking was created with an objective and unbiased scoring system to determine the most appropriate NDTs for field evaluation. Based upon this ranking system, the three higher-ranked NDTs for the evaluation and selected for a field evaluation were: Infrared Thermography (IR), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Portable Seismic Pavement Analyzer (PSPA). The nuclear density gauge was also used in the evaluation. The second stage of the investigation collected field data from three projects, analyzed the data using a variety of methods, and developed an implementation plan based upon the findings. Continuous infrared (IR) thermal readings measured mat temperature at 12 transverse offsets spaced 13 in apart, and at a 1 ft longitudinal spacing. Analysis of the data found greater variability along centerline of the paving mat. The average nuclear density on the three projects was nearly identical, ranging from 92.4% to 92.6%, and standard deviations of 2.21%, 1.66%, and 1.40%. The GPR density standard deviation was about half that of nuclear density. GPR thickness among the projects had a standard deviation ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 inches. Variability closer to the pavement centerline was generally higher. Average modulus normalized at 130°F on Project 1 was 3616 ksi, Project 2 at 3014 ksi, and Project 3 at 2530 ksi. Data from the three projects found no definitive relationship between continuous thermal temperatures behind the paver and final density measured by GPR and nuclear density gauge. Placement temperature did not appear to affect modulus; this finding is limited to the three projects in this study and may not be true for all mixes placed in Wisconsin or other states.

• Record URL:
  • http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/WisDOT-WHRP-project-0092-11-01-final-report.pdf
• 
• Summary URL:
  • http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/WisDOT-WHRP-project-0092-11-01-brief.pdf
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Cover title: Investigation of a Non-Destructive System to Evaluate Critical Properties of Asphalt
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Wisconsin, Platteville

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Platteville, WI  United States  53818

  University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  205 North Mathews Avenue
  Urbana, IL  United States  61801-2352

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Wisconsin Highway Research Program, 1415 Engineering Drive
  Madison, WI  United States  53704

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Research and Library Services, 4802 Sheboygan Avenue
  Madison, WI  United States  53707
• Authors:
  • Schmitt, Robert L
  • Faheem, Ahmed
  • Al-Qadi, Imad L
• Publication Date: 2013-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 234p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Compaction; Field studies; Ground penetrating radar; Implementation; Nondestructive tests; Nuclear density gages; Thermogravimetric analysis
• Uncontrolled Terms: Seismic pavement analyzers
• Geographic Terms: Wisconsin
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Pavements; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01516543
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 0092-11-01
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 2014 1:32PM