Leveraging Intelligent Compaction and Thermal Profiling Technologies to Improve Asphalt Pavement Construction Quality: A Case Study

Intelligent compaction (IC) is an emerging technology with rollers equipped with global navigation satellite system (GNSS), an accelerometer-based measurement system, and an onboard color-coded display for real-time monitoring and compaction control. Paver-mounted thermal profiling (PMTP) is used to monitor asphalt surface temperatures behind a paver with a thermal scanner, and to track paver speeds, stops, and stop durations. Leveraging both IC and PMTP technologies allows for paving and compaction controls in real time, and for executing appropriate adjustments as needed. A case study is used to demonstrate the advantage of using both IC and PMTP over conventional operations. Postconstruction asphalt coring and tests, as well as pavement profile surveys were conducted to provide asphalt density data and pavement smoothness acceptance data for comparison and correlation analysis with IC and PMTP data. The data from 2 days of operations, one without the Material Transfer Vehicle (MTV) and another with the MTV, were analyzed and compared to illustrate the benefits of using IC, PMTP, and MTV for producing quality pavement products. Durability and smoothness are two key construction qualities for agencies and users of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. These two factors also affect the long-term structural and functional pavement performance.