Pilot Implementation of Pave-IR for Detecting Segregation in Hot -Mix Asphalt Construction

Past research projects illustrated temperature differentials greater than 25 of on hot-mix asphalt (HMA) construction projects indicate potential segregation problems in the mat. Through the years infrared cameras have been used to collect thermal data on newly placed HMA projects. Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) researchers refined infrared methods for detecting segregation on paving projects by developing an infrared temperature bar and accompanying data collection and processing software package. As a combined system, called Pave-IR, TTI's system allows for much simpler data collection and analysis procedures as compared to using infrared cameras. This report documents pilot efforts to implement Pave-IR into Texas Department of Transportation operations, including the current equipment development and example data from Pave-IR.