Indirect density tests for thin asphalt overlay – part 1: review. Issue 5 (18th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Yi; Nicklin, Samuel; Bull, Jack; Widyatmoko, Iswandaru
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Volume 174:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 249
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2021-10-18
• Subjects: field testing & monitoring -- quality control -- roads & highways; Building materials -- Periodicals; Civil engineering -- Periodicals; 691
• DOI: 10.1680/jcoma.18.00045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-650X

Abstract

Abstract : Quality in construction of asphalt pavements plays a significant role in long-term durability. In situ density is a key parameter in construction quality and there are several available test methods. However, there are questions as to whether a particular test provides density values (referred to as 'quality assurance') or density changes (referred to as 'quality control'). This paper presents findings from a literature review of indirect density testing on asphalt pavements. A specific interest is on thin overlays in the 30–50 mm thickness range typically used in the UK. Indirect test methods include nuclear density gauge, electromagnetic instruments, ground-penetrating radar and step frequency radar. The advantages and limitations of these methods for thin asphalt in situ density measurement are discussed in this paper.