Investigate Feasibility of Using Ground Penetrating Radar in QC/QA of Rubblization Projects

This study investigated if Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can offer a suitable technology for mapping the physical condition of fractured slab rapidly, particularly under the steel reinforcement, without disturbing the fractured layer. A 4000 ft long composite pavement section was selected on I-75 in Butler/Warren County, Ohio. The asphalt concrete layer was milled and the jointed reinforced concrete pavement was exposed. A thorough GPR assessment of the pavement prior to rubblization was performed, allowing a “baseline” condition assessment. Three passes were made to collect data along two wheel paths and the center of the lane. Following this, the exposed concrete pavement was rubblized in accordance with the Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT‟s) rubblization specification using a resonant type pavement breaker and three multi head type pavement breakers. GPR tests were conducted on the rubblized layer at the same locations. Soon after completing GPR studies, several test pits were made using a backhoe. Physical measurements of the particle sizes were made through the depth of concrete pavement. This information, ground truth, was used to verify the information obtained from GPR signals. The data were analyzed to investigate any evidence leading to determination of fragments exceeding the size specification. Analysis of the data collected on the exposed concrete pavement, prior to rubblization, showed no significant peak in reflection of signals between the top and bottom of the slab. Analysis of the data on rubblized layer showed some peaks. However, the strength of the signals (reflections) was not strong enough to detect significant peaks. This analysis revealed the sensitivity of the data was not adequate enough to distinguish two layers within the concrete slab. In other words, the data did not indicate significant peak at the interface of rubblized and partially rubblized layers within the concrete slab. It became apparent that by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio, it may become possible to differentiate and distinguish the two internal layers. In summary, the study provided insight into additional data needed to establish GPR as a potential device in the future for evaluating the size fragments in Rubblization and Rolling (R/R) projects. Lessons learned lead to a conclusion that, further work is needed to establish GPR as a rational, non-destructive and quick procedure to estimate the particle sizes in a rubblization project.

• Record URL:
  http://worldcat.org/oclc/781853132/viewonline
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Infrastructure Management and Engineering, Incorporated

  2300 East Kemper Road, Suite A-17
  Cincinnati, OH  United States  45241-6501

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  Office of Research and Development
  1980 West Broad Street
  Columbus, OH  United States  43223

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Rajagopal, Arudi
• Publication Date: 2011-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 60p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt concrete; Comminution; Grain size (Geology); Ground penetrating radar; Lessons learned; Nondestructive tests; Pavement maintenance; Quality assurance; Quality control; Reinforced concrete pavements; Signal to noise ratio
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements; I60: Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01358663
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/OH-2011/15
• Contract Numbers: 134431
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Dec 9 2011 3:53PM