NJTxtr—A Computer Program Based on LASER to Monitor Asphalt Segregation |
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Authors: | Geoffrey M Rowe Jay N Meegoda Andris Jumikis Mark J Sharrock Nishantha Bandara Chamil H Hettiarachchi |
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Affiliation: | 1President, Abatech, Inc., 1274 Rt. 113, P.O. Box 356, Blooming Glen, PA 18911. 2Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102. 3Supervising Engineer, Pavement Management Unit, Pavement Management Division, New Jersey Dept. of Transportation, P.O. Box 600, 1035 Parkway Ave., Trenton, NJ 08625. 4Software Specialist, Abatech International Limited, Abatech House, Bull Close Ln., Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2UL, UK. 5Research Engineer, Abatech Inc., 1274 Rt. 113, P.O. Box 356, Blooming Glen, PA 18911. 6PhD Candidate, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102.
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Abstract: | Abstract: This paper describes the research funded by the New Jersey Department of Transportation to develop an automated technology to monitor segregation during construction of hot-mix asphalt concrete pavements. A Laser-based system was used to measure surface texture and to detect segregation. Two segregated test sections and a control test section were tested to evaluate the applicability of Laser texture method to detect and quantify segregation. Laser texture data were gathered from all three sections. Ratios of texture in segregated areas to that in nonsegregated areas were set as the basis for detection of different levels of segregation. By combining the level of segregation and extent of segregation, an AREA index was developed to determine the acceptability of a pavement section. Based on AREA index, pay adjustment factors were proposed to reduce the payment to account for loss of pavement life due to segregation. Further remedial actions were proposed to correct segregated pavement sections with acceptable AREA index. Based on the above concepts, Windows-based computer program NJTxtr was developed to detect and quantify segregation. This computer program uses the Laser-equipment-collected pavement texture data and determines whether the pavement section is acceptable or unacceptable based on the level of segregation within a pavement section, and provides bonus or penalties to the contractor. The paper describes a novel technology using laser and associated software for construction quality control of asphalt concrete pavements. The proposed methodology was applied to detect segregation in an interstate highway section in New Jersey, and this section was repaved based on visual observation and recommendation from this study. |
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Keywords: | Construction management Asphalt pavements Concrete pavements Computer programs Asphalt mixtures New Jersey State government |
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