Pilot Implementation of Thermal Segregation Detection Systems with GPS Capabilities

Project Description

Hot-mix asphalt, the most common roadway surface layer throughout the state of Texas, requires a uniform application temperature to ensure uniform density and to guard against thermal segregation — temperature differences that can lead to pavement failure. The resulting potholes and other roadway damage not only necessitate premature and expensive repairs, but also create severe safety hazards. Corrective action to prevent such damage depends greatly on detecting these temperature differences early in the paving process. Earlier standard practices that engineers used for thermal segregation detection involved hand-held temperature sensors, infrared cameras and distance wheel measurements. TTI researchers developed a better method — known as Pave-IR — which uses a series of infrared temperature sensors mounted on the back of a paver. In this project, the TTI research team employed the use of relatively low-cost global positioning satellite (GPS) technology to further refine Pave IR. The combination of Pave-IR and GPS produces an extensive thermal profile of the surface in real time. The quantitative data provided by the thermal profile with GPS makes it possible to more reliably and precisely identify and pinpoint the location of cold spots, helping the paving crew to determine where immediate corrections are needed. The result is higher-quality construction that conserves scarce taxpayer dollars, provides safer travel conditions, and reduces the frequency of roadway closures necessitated by premature repairs.

Project Publications

Implementing GPS into PAVE-IR 5-4577-03-1

PAVE-IR Operator's Manual Version 1.3 5-4577-03-P1

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