Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Asphalt Pavement Stripping Evaluation using NDE

National Pooled Fund TPF-5(504)

TPF-5(504) - Continuous Bituminous Pavements Stripping Assessment Through NDE Technologies

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Big Picture

MnDOT's mission is to create a safe, accessible, efficient, and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people to destinations and markets within the state, regionally, and worldwide. In support of this mission, MnDOT has embraced innovative technology, including advanced non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technology, such as the devices installed in the Road Doctor Survey van ( 3D-Ground Penetrating Radar (3D-GPR)). By using this technology, MnDOT can conduct rapid and reliable testing procedures for continuous and complete coverage evaluation of pavements. This testing procedure allows MnDOT to efficiently determine the thicknesses of the layers constituting pavement structures and detect and map subsurface defects that are otherwise impossible to detect and quantify through visual inspections or traditional pavement forensic investigation tools. The use of 3D-GPR has already demonstrated an improvement in MnDOT pavement scoping practices, support the process of selecting proper treatment, minimize the risk to the DOT, and construction surprises. These improvements ultimately enhance the performance and durability of the pavement, ensure a good return on investment, and provide equitable access to safe and efficient transportation systems.

Investing in 3D-GPR technology is also in line with MnDOT's strategic goals to maintain its position as a leader in the use of innovative, future-looking technology. This investment will provide critical structural information about pavement at affordable costs while enhancing the safety of the public and workers. By embracing innovative technology, MnDOT can ensure a safe, accessible, efficient, and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people to their destinations and markets within the state, regionally, and around the world.

MnDOT's mission is to create a safe, accessible, efficient, and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people to destinations and markets within the state, regionally, and worldwide. In support of this mission, MnDOT has embraced innovative technology, including advanced non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technology, such as the devices installed in the Road Doctor Survey van ( 3D-Ground Penetrating Radar (3D-GPR)). By using this technology, MnDOT can conduct rapid and reliable testing procedures for continuous and complete coverage evaluation of pavements. This testing procedure allows MnDOT to efficiently determine the thicknesses of the layers constituting pavement structures and detect and map subsurface defects that are otherwise impossible to detect and quantify through visual inspections or traditional pavement forensic investigation tools. The use of 3D-GPR has already demonstrated an improvement in MnDOT pavement scoping practices, support the process of selecting proper treatment, minimize the risk to the DOT, and construction surprises. These improvements ultimately enhance the performance and durability of the pavement, ensure a good return on investment, and provide equitable access to safe and efficient transportation systems.

Investing in 3D-GPR technology is also in line with MnDOT's strategic goals to maintain its position as a leader in the use of innovative, future-looking technology. This investment will provide critical structural information about pavement at affordable costs while enhancing the safety of the public and workers. By embracing innovative technology, MnDOT can ensure a safe, accessible, efficient, and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people to their destinations and markets within the state, regionally, and around the world.

Purpose of Study

Our study aims to advance the use of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technologies for project and network-level pavement evaluations. Specifically, our primary objective is to automate the detection of the location, extension, and severity of moisture-related damage in full-depth and composite bituminous pavements in collaboration with partner states and subject matter experts.
To achieve this, we will focus on detecting asphalt stripping using 3D GPR, which has shown the most promising results. We will also include other important traditional and NDT techniques, such as coring, FWD, TSD, IE/SASW, to verify, validate, and complement the GPR outcomes.

Participating States

Financially Contributing: FHWA, IL, MN, MO, MS, TN, TX, GA

Pending: CA, VA, KS, IN, WI

Lead State

Minnesota DOT

To be added to the project mailing list, contact Eyoab Zegeye: eyoab.zegeye@state.mn.us

Status

Active - TPF - Study Detail (pooledfund.org)