Asphalt pavement compaction evaluation by Dielectric Profiling System

Abstract

The compaction quality achieved during construction significantly affects the performance of asphalt pavements and its longitudinal joints. Traditional quality assessment procedures rely primarily on pavement cores; coring is a surface-destructive, time-consuming, and costly process. More importantly, it provides limited coverage. Dielectric Profiling System (DPS) provides continuous compaction coverage and accurately predict as-constructed air voids non-destructively. This study highlights the benefits of DPS adoption for compaction assessment. DPS's can highlight low-density areas within a pavement lane both longitudinally and laterally. Such in-depth analysis enable highway agencies in accurately estimating pavement service lives. It can also enable optimization of maintenance needs focused on locations identified with compaction issues within a pavement lane. Using DPS for compaction quality assessment would encourage utilization of high-quality construction practice resultantly achieving durable and high performing asphalt pavements without risking overpayments for substandard quality.