Development of a Portable Pavement Thickness/Density Meter (PTDM)

摘要

The Pavement Thickness/Density Meter (PTDM) concept developed in this research represents a new and innovative method for automatically determining pavement thickness and density. Pavement thickness and pavement density are two key variables that determine the future life and performance of asphalt pavement. In many cases, due to variations in placement conditions, the actual in-place thickness and density can vary considerably from specifications. Current testing methods based on coring are time consuming and do not provide adequate coverage. The PTDM system provides a means for quickly obtaining complete thickness/density coverage assessment of the pavement. The device is transportable and easily operated with limited training. It provides continuous data, in the form of profiles of the pavement thickness and density as a function of distance along the pavement. The method is safe, since it is based on low-powered pulsed electromagnetic waves. The key technological innovations required for the development of the PTDM are (1) the implementation of small and more portable components, particularly the transmitting antenna; (2) the implementation of software which automatically produces the readings that will be directly displayed for the operator; and (3) the packaging of all of these components in a small portable device that can be easily used and handled as a routine piece of field test equipment. The work carried out under this program has successfully achieved objectives (1) and (2).