Framework for Empirical Process to Improve Nonnuclear Gauge Performance in Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavement Construction

Nuclear technology has long been used as a nondestructive method to measure the density of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) during pavement construction. Due to nuclear technology’s high costs and intense regulations associated with safety and security, several researchers have introduced and evaluated nonnuclear technologies for measurement purposes. However, no proven evidence has emerged that nonnuclear gauges can replace nuclear gauges when quality assurance (QA) is considered. Thus, this study developed a framework for an empirical process to improve nonnuclear gauge performance for use in QA and for improving the current quality control (QC) process. Data were collected by coring using a nuclear gauge and using a nonnuclear gauge from 13 HMA paving construction sites over 2 years. A new calibration method was developed for nonnuclear density gauges. The research results reveal that the proposed framework can improve the accuracy of nonnuclear gauges, which can be used for QC and QA of HMA pavement during construction. In addition, nonnuclear gauges showed significant cost savings compared to nuclear gauges from a life-cycle cost analysis.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000638
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/8675438
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers
• Authors:
  • Cho, Yong
  • Wang, Chao
  • Zhuang, Ziqing
• Publication Date: 2013-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 601-610
• Serial:
  • Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
  • Volume: 139
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9364
  • EISSN: 1943-7862
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jcemd4

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Calibration; Costs; Density; Empirical methods; Hot mix asphalt; Nuclear density gages; Paving; Quality assurance; Quality control
• Uncontrolled Terms: Nonnuclear density gages
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Materials; Pavements; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01484013
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: May 10 2013 2:02PM