Application of infrared thermographic imaging to bituminous concrete pavements: final report

Abstract

Recent research has shown that damage to hot mix asphalt (HMA) paving mixtures occurs during construction as a result of temperature differentials of the HMA mix during transport to and discharge from the paver. This phenomenon is called temperature differential damage (TDD). Researchers used a highly accurate infrared camera to evaluate this phenomenon. Temperature differentials were observed in the local HMA, and it was noted that areas of cool material did not consolidate properly during the placement process. Open segregated-appearing areas of pavement often resulted. Based upon the above research findings, it appears that the Connecticut Department of Transportation would benefit from the development of guidelines for reducing the occurrence of TDD by improved loading, trucking, handling, and placement methods and/or by employing new technology on HMA paving projects such as remixing pavers or remixing material transfer devices. In this investigation, difficult field conditions were imaged to obtain data on cold spots related to: cold-weather paving, night paving, cold-weather paving at night, paving equipment, paving bridge decks, and other seasonal paving situations. This interim report presents the results of the literature search and interim findings from the field investigation.