Asphalt concrete density monitoring during compaction using roller-mounted GPR

Lama Abufares; Yihan Chen; Imad L. Al-Qadi

doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106158

Asphalt concrete density monitoring during compaction using roller-mounted GPR

Lama Abufares, Yihan Chen, Imad L. Al-Qadi

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

A direct relationship exists between asphalt concrete (AC) density and pavement performance. In the United States, quality thresholds have been established for AC density by Departments of Transportation (DOTs). During flexible pavement construction, remedial actions become limited as AC cools. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor AC to achieve the desired density during compaction. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology can be used to monitor AC densification during construction. Contractors and agencies may use GPR for quality control/acceptance practices. This paper developed a roller-mounted GPR prototype and used it to perform small- and large-scale laboratory tests. Advanced algorithms were used to predict AC density while isolating roller vibration and other signal interference effects. The GPR results were verified using ground-truth cores and nuclear gauge measurements. An average absolute error of ±0.7% in determining AC percent compaction was achieved. The use of recycled materials/additives in AC was not considered in this study.

Original language	English (US)
Article number	106158
Journal	Automation in Construction
Volume	174
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106158
State	Published - Jun 2025

Keywords

Asphalt concrete
Core
Density
Dielectric constant
Ground penetrating radar
Nuclear gauge
Roller compactor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Control and Systems Engineering
Civil and Structural Engineering
Building and Construction

Online availability

10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106158License: CC BY-NC-ND

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Cite this

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title = "Asphalt concrete density monitoring during compaction using roller-mounted GPR",

abstract = "A direct relationship exists between asphalt concrete (AC) density and pavement performance. In the United States, quality thresholds have been established for AC density by Departments of Transportation (DOTs). During flexible pavement construction, remedial actions become limited as AC cools. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor AC to achieve the desired density during compaction. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology can be used to monitor AC densification during construction. Contractors and agencies may use GPR for quality control/acceptance practices. This paper developed a roller-mounted GPR prototype and used it to perform small- and large-scale laboratory tests. Advanced algorithms were used to predict AC density while isolating roller vibration and other signal interference effects. The GPR results were verified using ground-truth cores and nuclear gauge measurements. An average absolute error of ±0.7% in determining AC percent compaction was achieved. The use of recycled materials/additives in AC was not considered in this study.",

keywords = "Asphalt concrete, Core, Density, Dielectric constant, Ground penetrating radar, Nuclear gauge, Roller compactor",

author = "Lama Abufares and Yihan Chen and Al-Qadi, {Imad L.}",

note = "The authors would like to acknowledge funding provided by the Federal Highway Administration under the under the Acceleerating Market Readiness Award (AMR) program (Grant ID 693JJ32150008), directed by Jeffrey Zaharewicz. The assistance by G. Renshaw, M. Motlagh, Q. Cao, A. Ibrahim, Z. Zhu, J. Garc\u00EDa Mainieri, M. Fakhreddine, E. Okte, G. Sulaiman, A. Ramakrishnan, A. Singh, and A. Bajaj is appreciated. The researchers would like to acknowledge the support provided by Illinois Department of Transportation, Gallagher Asphalt Corporation (B. Gallagher and S. Rubio), and Open Road Paving Company, LLC (J. Kern and J. Miller). The contents of this paper reflect the view of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of ICT or FHWA. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.",

year = "2025",

month = jun,

doi = "10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106158",

language = "English (US)",

volume = "174",

journal = "Automation in Construction",

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T1 - Asphalt concrete density monitoring during compaction using roller-mounted GPR

AU - Abufares, Lama

AU - Chen, Yihan

AU - Al-Qadi, Imad L.

N1 - The authors would like to acknowledge funding provided by the Federal Highway Administration under the under the Acceleerating Market Readiness Award (AMR) program (Grant ID 693JJ32150008), directed by Jeffrey Zaharewicz. The assistance by G. Renshaw, M. Motlagh, Q. Cao, A. Ibrahim, Z. Zhu, J. Garc\u00EDa Mainieri, M. Fakhreddine, E. Okte, G. Sulaiman, A. Ramakrishnan, A. Singh, and A. Bajaj is appreciated. The researchers would like to acknowledge the support provided by Illinois Department of Transportation, Gallagher Asphalt Corporation (B. Gallagher and S. Rubio), and Open Road Paving Company, LLC (J. Kern and J. Miller). The contents of this paper reflect the view of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of ICT or FHWA. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.

PY - 2025/6

Y1 - 2025/6

N2 - A direct relationship exists between asphalt concrete (AC) density and pavement performance. In the United States, quality thresholds have been established for AC density by Departments of Transportation (DOTs). During flexible pavement construction, remedial actions become limited as AC cools. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor AC to achieve the desired density during compaction. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology can be used to monitor AC densification during construction. Contractors and agencies may use GPR for quality control/acceptance practices. This paper developed a roller-mounted GPR prototype and used it to perform small- and large-scale laboratory tests. Advanced algorithms were used to predict AC density while isolating roller vibration and other signal interference effects. The GPR results were verified using ground-truth cores and nuclear gauge measurements. An average absolute error of ±0.7% in determining AC percent compaction was achieved. The use of recycled materials/additives in AC was not considered in this study.

AB - A direct relationship exists between asphalt concrete (AC) density and pavement performance. In the United States, quality thresholds have been established for AC density by Departments of Transportation (DOTs). During flexible pavement construction, remedial actions become limited as AC cools. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor AC to achieve the desired density during compaction. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology can be used to monitor AC densification during construction. Contractors and agencies may use GPR for quality control/acceptance practices. This paper developed a roller-mounted GPR prototype and used it to perform small- and large-scale laboratory tests. Advanced algorithms were used to predict AC density while isolating roller vibration and other signal interference effects. The GPR results were verified using ground-truth cores and nuclear gauge measurements. An average absolute error of ±0.7% in determining AC percent compaction was achieved. The use of recycled materials/additives in AC was not considered in this study.

KW - Asphalt concrete

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KW - Density

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M1 - 106158

ER -

Asphalt concrete density monitoring during compaction using roller-mounted GPR

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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