Building information modeling utilization for optimizing milling quantity and hot mix asphalt pavement overlay quality

Abstract

An approach to a practice paving technique using building information modeling (BIM) was developed. When planning hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlay on a concrete slab, in-advance paving simulations can help to preemptively evaluate pavement quality, such as HMA thickness, and prevent excessive HMA quantity. The BIM technique has the capabilities of ‘in-advance simulation’, ‘3-D visualization’, ‘interference identification’, and ‘quantification’. Building information modeling could be successfully implemented to optimize milling quantity and improve HMA pavement quality in an actual paving project. Based on the established BIM model, alternative paving levels were derived and paving sequences were simulated. Through 3-D visualized images, locations where HMA thickness was inadequate could be effectively identified. Quantified information for simulation results enabled optimization of milling and paving options. Milling was selectively conducted for the identified undulations. The cost was reduced by approximately 12%. Paving thickness and density had coefficients of variation (CV) of approximately 15% and 0.2%, respectively.