Vehicle based system for continuous non-contact surface wave testing of pavements in 50 km/h

Abstract

Non-destructive seismic surface wave measurements can be used for quality control of civil engineering infrastructures such as pavements and bridges. The seismic wave speed is directly linked to the dynamic E-modulus of asphalt concrete providing valuable information for quality control of both old and new structures. Non-destructive pavement testing is here demonstrated using a vehicle based system for continuous non-contact surface wave testing of pavements in about 50 km/h. A 48-channel air-coupled microphone array is mounted on the tow bar of a normal car along with a surface temperature IR sensor and GPS. Two metal heads on plastic strips are bouncing on the surface while driving producing high frequency (5-40 kHz) seismic waves in the asphalt concrete. Results demonstrate that the system can record continuous repeatable surface wave measurements with about two measurement points per meter while driving in a speed of 50 km/h. This measurement system opens up the possibility to perform faster and more economically efficient automated measurements with minimal disruption of traffic.