Abstract
This paper presents research efforts with a major purpose of determining if electromagnetic, non-nuclear density gauges (NNDG) are competent enough for asphalt density measurement in comparison to the already existing standard core method (AASHTO T-166). Field, as well as laboratory studies, were conducted to assess the abilities of available non-nuclear devices as they need the appraisal for future use in many developing countries including Pakistan. NNDG data collected from 45 locations, compared to density determined in the laboratory for the cores extracted from the same location, shows that the results obtained from both the methods are comparable. Laboratory studies conducted on the slabs of open and dense gradations show that such an instrument performed well for dense gradation in comparison to open ones. The Calibration effect of the instrument has a valuable impact on the accurate density determination. Results indicated that such gauges are seriously affected by moisture presence on the surface of testing pavement. Moreover, the temperature dependency of non-nuclear gauges is among the major outcome of this research. Overall the performance of such gauges is valuable, and the results are comparable to the standard results of core methods. However, these results can only be used for Quality Assurance (Q.A) purposes and not for Quality Acceptance (Q.C) of the density of pavement.
Highlights
Density of hot mix asphalt (HMA), because of many reasons, is of prime importance for those ample, increases deterioration in pavement structure and has possibility for oxidation to occur [1, 2], water damage [3,4,5], raveling and cracking [6]
It is obvious from the graphs that for both the gradation median for calibrated data is less separated from the median of laboratory density in comparison to un-calibrated data for which medians are well separated when compared to laboratory density data box plot
The major findings of the research are synopsized as follow:
Summary
Density of hot mix asphalt (HMA), because of many reasons, is of prime importance for those ample , increases deterioration in pavement structure and has possibility for oxidation to occur [1, 2], water damage [3,4,5] , raveling and cracking [6]. Asphalt density controls the in place air voids which should be greater than 3 percent to avoid premature rutting [7]. Since asphalt density brunt the air voids directly along with its impact on pavement durability raising the importance of density determination techniques. Accurate and rapid measurement of road density has been the central focus of researchers across the world as road density is measured as a part of quality control by contractor while state or local agencies do it for quality assurance program. Unlike many countries of the world, that has been using updated methods, and many modified equipment for asphalt density determination, traditional core method for this purpose is still being used by many developing countries including Pakistan. Other problems with Core method may include time restrictions to make the core sample air dried.
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