Ground Penetrating Radar Study--Phase I Technology Review and Evaluation

In December 2005 Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) initiated State Study No. 182 on review and evaluation of ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology. This Phase I study has reviewed GPR equipment and data interpretation methodologies used for nondestructive determination of pavement layer thickness values. An extensive literature review was supplemented by review reports from two study consultants, and a comprehensive GPR technology evaluation survey of GPR manufacturer and users in the United States and abroad. There is adequate experience available with data interpretation methodologies and FCC certified or "grandfathered" GPR technologies for reliable and reasonably accurate field assessment of asphalt pavement layer thicknesses. The MDOT is planning to evaluate this technology together with the nondestructive falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests to enhance the evaluation of asphalt highway pavements and rehabilitation design. A preliminary cost-effectiveness study shows a high benefit/cost ratio of 80-200 based on overlay thickness design of a 10-mi asphalt pavement section. Based on favorable assessment in this study, a follow up larger Phase II study is recommended for field evaluation of the candidate GPR technology with 1-GHz and 2-GHz air-launched horn antennas. A ground-coupled 400/500 MHz antenna is also recommended considering 30-in. or thicker pavements and the lime-treated subgrade layer. A pilot field study in Phase II should be conducted on a test section of a candidate asphalt highway pavement. Upon successful results and validation of improved pavement evaluation and resulting potential cost savings, the MDOT will consider implementing the GPR technology for routine use.

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• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/24162
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Mississippi, University

  Center for Advanced Infrastructure Technology
  University, MS  United States  38677-1848

  University of Mississippi, University

  Department of Civil Engineering
  University, MS  United States  38677

  Mississippi Department of Transportation

  Research and Development Division, P.O. Box 1850
  Jackson, MS  United States  39215
• Authors:
  • Uddin, Waheed
• Publication Date: 2006-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 110p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Benefit cost analysis; Consultants; Cost effectiveness; Dielectric properties; Evaluation; Falling weight deflectometers; Ground penetrating radar; Literature reviews; Nondestructive tests; Pavement layers; Rehabilitation (Maintenance); Reports; Technology; Technology assessment; Thickness
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01045515
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/MS-DOT-RD-06-182, MS-DOT-RD-06-182
• Contract Numbers: SS 182
• Files: NTL, TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 22 2007 5:45PM