Using X-Ray Technology on Alaskan Asphalt: Looking Inside Roads Helps Assure Quality

This article describes the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to measure and map compaction of freshly-placed asphalt paving, during or just after the paving equipment. GPR systems measure the dielectric constant of a pavement’s surface layer, which serves as a marker of the density of asphalt pavements. This measurement is used to determine the consistency of the densification process. The authors describe the use of GPR in a case study at Portage Glacier Road in Alaska. The article includes a figure that shows what the technician sees on an onboard monitor during a GPR test. Results are often combined with global positioning satellite (GPS) data to map out the location of defects in the paving. The authors conclude by emphasizing that GPR is not designed as a stand-alone technology but can be combined with other techniques to result in full-coverage compaction specifications for asphalt paving.

• Authors:
  • Giessel, Rich
  • Johnson, Dave
• Publication Date: 2019

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 7-12
• Serial:
  • Asphalt Magazine
  • Volume: 34
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Asphalt Institute

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Compaction; Ground penetrating radar; Instruments for measuring density; Nondestructive tests; Pavement surface course; Paving
• Geographic Terms: Alaska
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01758695
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 20 2020 11:06AM