External Influence of MIT T2 Nondestructive Thickness Testing Results: Case Study and Resolution

In 2014, S.T.A.T.E. Testing, LLC conducted a validation study for the Illinois Tollway to determine the effectiveness of several non-destructive thickness testing methods in advance of the Tollway’s Performance Related Specification (PRS) for concrete pavement construction. Through this study it was determined that the MIT T2 non-destructive measuring device was suitable for use. When the first project calling for MIT T2 use began paving, it was immediately discovered that the device was not providing reliable, repeatable thickness data in the field. Through a series of diagnostic and forensic efforts, it was determined that the device was working as it should and that the cause of the problems were inherent to the project location rather than a device malfunction or operator error. The starting area of the project site is densely populated with high and standard voltage power lines. Additionally, there is a large power transformer farm located adjacent to the site. There are also at least 3 significant radio and microwave antennas in the project right-of-way or adjacent to it. Working with MIT and their US sales and service representative, S.T.A.T.E. Testing was able to implement a field fix which updated the MIT T2 firmware to include additional signal filtering to allow the signal noise induced by the harsh electromagnetic environment and allow the MIT T2 to function properly and produce accurate, repeatable data. Validation testing was conducted across the overall project to ensure no further problems would be encountered.

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• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AFH50 Standing Committee on Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Construction.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Pitlik, Joe
  • Behnke, Jay
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 95th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2016-1-10 to 2016-1-14
• Date: 2016

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 11p
• Monograph Title: TRB 95th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete pavements; Electromagnetic interference; Interference; Nondestructive tests; Paving; Radio frequency interference; Testing equipment; Thickness
• Identifier Terms: Illinois Tollway
• Geographic Terms: Illinois
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01593512
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 16-6088
• Files: PRP, TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 12 2016 4:43PM