Impact and Removal of Ground-Penetrating Radar Vibration on Continuous Asphalt Concrete Pavement Density Prediction

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) could be implemented for continuous asphalt concrete (AC) pavement density predictions during compaction process. However, vibrations during survey and the complexity of GPR data processing may impede its application. GPR antenna vibration affects the collected data, which could be mitigated through profile smoothing using decomposition approaches. A signal-processing technique is proposed for filtering vibration noise to allow for continuous AC density prediction from GPR data. During constant speed survey, low-pass filter cutoff frequency and length may be used during signal processing for profile smoothing. Nonstationary profile caused by inconsistent speed survey could be smoothed using wavelet transform. Empirical mode decomposition is suggested for utilization when sudden braking/accelerating occurs. Field tests using roller-mounted antennas were used to validate the process.