Principal Investigator(s):
Lev Khazanovich, Former Professor, Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering
Co-Investigators:
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Joseph Labuz, Professor, Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering
Project summary:
Air void content in asphalt should be monitored to allow for proper quality control and assurance in asphalt pavements. This study aims to develop a new procedure for such evaluation, which is currently performed using a nuclear gauge and cores. The nuclear gauge requires labor and time-intensive yearly calibrations, safety training due to the danger of radiation damage, and also has issues with accuracy. This project proposes an ultrasonic technique that aims to replace the nuclear gauge and also reduce the number of cores needed to accomplish this task. This study will result in an effective data analysis procedure and will also develop a testing protocol for air void analysis in asphalt pavements. Using the results of the laboratory and field studies, researchers will assess the efficiency, ease of measurement and data interpretation, and accuracy of the ultrasonic method. Researchers will then produce final documentation of the recommended testing protocol and final conclusions and recommendations of the new ultrasonic technology.