ASSESSMENT OF ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT QUALITY BY USING INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY

摘要

Manholes cause uneven pavements, which affect the quality of pavement services, leading to public criticism in Taiwan. Many manholes are buried beneath pavements to ensure evenness and enhance the usability of pavements for pedestrians. The presence of manholes affects the quality of the asphalt concrete underneath the pavement because then conducting excavations using road construction equipment becomes difficult, ultimately leading to early deterioration of the pavement surfaces. Temperatures can also differ considerably between the manhole and non-manhole locations on asphalt concrete pavement. This study used infrared thermal imaging technology and an analysis of variances statistical method to investigate the differences in temperature changes at manhole locations. This technology can obtain accurate and detailed information on surface temperatures. The results reveal that the asphalt concrete in manhole and non-manhole areas will exhibit temperature differences of approximately 24-58 degrees C, thus allowing for more accurate positioning of manholes during construction. In addition, this infrared thermal imaging technology can be used to determine pavement construction quality base on temperature uniformity of the asphalt concrete. Thus, infrared thermal imaging technology provides an optimal and cost-effective solution for constructing and maintaining pavements.