Resource International, Inc. Uses a Combined FWD/GPR Technology to Evaluate the Structural Condition of Pavements
Columbus, Ohio (PRWEB) February 13, 2014 -- Resource International, Inc. (Rii), a national leader in pavement engineering and non-destructive testing (NDT), has recently conducted numerous investigations in Ohio using an innovative JILS-20HF FWD – GPR integrated system. This non- destructive pavement evaluation was used on Interstate 75 in District 1 of the Ohio Department of Transportation, as well as for evaluation of newly constructed Ohio Turnpike Projects.
This unique NDT evaluation uses a data integration and analysis system to merge Falling Weight Deflectometer (HFWD) data and Ground Penetrating data (GPR) with digital video images of surface conditions and global positioning coordinates (GPS). In these projects, pavement engineers have used the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), to evaluate the structural condition of pavements and the stiffness or the modulus of various layers and to determine overall structural strength.
Engineers used GPR to determine continuous pavement layer thickness, detect voids under pavement, evaluate base material, map zones of asphalt stripping and locate construction defects and changes in pavement structure. Due to the complexity of pavement materials and to the multiple overlapping GPR signals, limited coring was performed to help in calibrating and validating results.
The data integration allows engineers to view all information relevant to pavement engineering and management data at every testing location.
Rii has used combined FWD/GPR technology for more than ten years to evaluate the structural condition of flexible and rigid pavements. The adaptable FWD/GPR system is capable of collecting data on aggregate, asphalt and concrete-surfaced roadways, airport runways and parking lots. Rii’s experienced team of engineers gather deflection and radar data with a minimal disruption to traffic, and analyze the collected information with a variety of specialized software tools to provide their clients with findings and recommendations. The two nondestructive, noninvasive test instruments provide engineers with objective assessments of the pavements’ structural condition so that good rehabilitation decisions can be made. These two instruments are also used to provide forensic information regarding early failure of new pavement sections.
Core data is localized and cannot represent the entire average thickness of different materials unless a considerable amount of core samples are taken. However, GPR surveys provide continuous layer thickness data along the entire length of the tested pavement. The analysis results of the GPR data allow the user to break the pavement into homogeneous sections and provide pavement layer thicknesses for each section, which increases the accuracy of the FWD deflection data back-calculations.
Rii’s FWD/GPR system also integrates high resolution digital cameras and a GPS unit for a more complete and accurate analysis of the pavement being tested. The digital images are played forward and backward to help the user to interpret the structural analysis results.
About Resource International, Inc.'s Asset Management and Pavement Engineering
Rii specializes in non-destructive testing and evaluation of pavements, pavement management, design development, and pavement maintenance for roadways, parking lots, airport runways, aprons and taxiways.
Specific services include:
Pavement & Bridge Condition Survey
Maintenance Needs Assessment, Planning & Scheduling
Pavement Engineering & Rehabilitation
Airfield Pavement Assessment & Management
Life-Cycle Cost Analysis
Sustainable Infrastructure & Green Road Technologies
Pavement Design Optimization
Non-Destructive Testing & Analysis
Customized PMS & Asset Management
Software Installation & Training
Technical Support
Rii has installed a large number of PMS packages with various governmental organizations. Over time, PMS technology has evolved and progressed considerably. The earliest (PMS) technology provided, in essence, was an information management system in which pavement conditions were used to determine maintenance strategies. Current enhancements have been added to greatly increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Rii maintains highly experienced and technical staff for the planning, design, and implementation of computer system hardware/software applications. We also provides customized software and services on a consultation basis.
Our professional engineers and experienced field technicians perform visual inspections, record research, conduct non-destructive testing and pavement coring and sampling of subgrade materials for providing Pavement Condition Ratings (PCR), remaining life analysis, traffic analysis, evaluation and recommendations for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and maintenance of pavements.
Our state-of-the art equipment and methods of obtaining data to conduct roughness and smoothness testing of pavements include the following:
Profilometer
Heavy Falling Weight Deflectometer (HFWD)
Handheld GIS Data Collection
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Lightweight Deflectometer (LWD)
Automated Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (ADCP)
Cherif Amer-Yahia, PhD, PE, Resource International, Inc., http://www.resourceinternational.com, 614-823-4949, [email protected]
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