2502 Evaluation of In-Place Asphalt Mix Density using DPS

Inadequate and non-uniform compaction during construction is a leading cause of premature distresses in asphalt pavements including cracks, potholes, permanent deformation, and reduced service life. Issues with compaction generally result in too high or too low density of the asphalt layer which may reduce the long-term durability of the flexible pavement. Like many state agencies, Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) requires coring to obtain field samples to assess and control the density of the asphalt layer during construction. The drawbacks of pavement coring are that the locations are selected randomly, and the process is destructive, relatively expensive, and labor intensive. A Dielectric Profiling System (DPS) is a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)-based rolling density system that provides real-time density measurement for the entire pavement section. This study will investigate the suitability of the DPS as a quality assurance (QA) tool for evaluating the quality of compacted pavements in Oklahoma. Working with ODOT and industry partners, this study plans to collect field data using DPS and develop dielectric-density calibration curves for different ODOT asphalt mixes. The dielectric-density calibration curves will be validated by comparing with conventional density measurement methods. In addition, information needed for the future implementation of this technology in Oklahoma will be developed.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $199,904.00
• Contract Numbers:

  2502

  SPRY-0010(097)RS

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Oklahoma Department of Transportation

  200 NE 21st Street
  Oklahoma City, OK  United States  73105
• Managing Organizations:

  Oklahoma Department of Transportation

  200 NE 21st Street
  Oklahoma City, OK  United States  73105
• Project Managers:

  Vivanco Sala, David

  Rice, Jerry

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Oklahoma, Norman

  School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
  202 West Boyd Street, Room 334
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Principal Investigators:

  Ali, Syed

• Start Date: 20251001
• Expected Completion Date: 20270930
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: Transportation, Planning, Research, and Development

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt mixtures; Calibration; Density; Feasibility analysis; Ground penetrating radar; Quality assurance
• Geographic Terms: Oklahoma
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01967871
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 2502, SPRY-0010(097)RS
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Oct 3 2025 11:26AM