Evaluation of a Field and Lab-Based Density Profiling System for Asphalt Pavement Density Measurement

About the project:

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)’s asphalt pavement program uses the results of nuclear density readings for quality control purposes but often relies on laboratory measurements of density from cored/sawn plugs for acceptance. There is a need for VDOT to utilize methods that can more rapidly assess a larger sample to reduce the risk of accepting substandard material. One such method is by employing a density profiling system (DPS). Benefits of a DPS to agencies include the ability to conduct measurements over the entire surface area of the new layer, to measure the density along the longitudinal joint where many pavements experience premature failures, and to implement a statistical evaluation of the achieved density. Benefits to contractors include allowing a contractor to evaluate their own compaction processes and make adjustments during the course of the work. The objectives of this project are: (i) Collect data using DPS system on additional projects during the 2022 construction season to continue the evaluation that was started in 2021 (ii) Evaluate the laboratory version of the DPS (DPS-L) for dielectric versus density correlation (iii) Develop a Virginia Test Method (VTM) to describe how to conduct testing using the DPS (iv) Develop a VTM to describe how to conduct testing using the lab based DPS system (DPS-L). 

Project Team

Principal Investigators

Co-Principal Investigators