Resumen de Practical Implementation of Intelligent Compaction Technology in Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements
VICTOR L. GALLIVAN, GEORGE K. CHANG, ROBERT D. HORAN
Intelligent Compaction (IC) is a major innovation in compaction technology that has been studied extensively in the US over the last five years.
IC is defined as a process that uses vibratory rollers equipped with a measurement/documentation system that automatically records various critical compaction parameters in real time during the compaction process. The recorded information is then displayed for the roller operator and project personnel to improve the compaction process. Field studies by the authors and other researchers have shown that IC has many potential benefits that can result in better compaction processes and improved process/quality control/acceptance procedures. These benefits are likely to result in the construction of longer lasting asphalt pavements. Suppliers of IC technology have conducted extensive research and development and are geared up to make IC rollers commercially available. In short, the stage is now set for agencies that would like to implement the use of IC technology in a practical manner.
It has been a well known fact for decades that effective compaction is a critical step in the construction of quality Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) pavement.
In recent years, the understanding has grown that pavement materials must be properly compacted in the field to obtain the desired long service lives. With this in mind, there have been many improvements and innovations in compaction equipment, as well as in situ test equipment and specifications related to compaction over the years. Manufacturers have been modifying their compaction equipment, State agencies have been modifying their specifications, and contractors have been modifying their processes over the years all in an attempt to improve the compaction of HMA pavements. This paper discusses the 21st century practical efforts to improve the compaction of 1Asphalt Pavement Engineer, P.E., Federal Highway Administration, Indianapolis, Indiana 2Program Manager, Ph.D., P.E., The Transtec Group, Inc., Austin, Texas 3Regional Engineer, P.E., Asphalt Institute, Lexington, Kentucky The oral presentation was made by Mr. Gallivan.
