An Evaluation of the Potential Use of Non-nuclear Density Gauges for Asphalt Concrete Acceptance

An Evaluation of the Potential Use of Non-nuclear Density Gauges for Asphalt Concrete Acceptance
Author: Alex K. Apeagyei
Publisher:
Total Pages: 21
Release: 2011
Genre: Asphalt concrete
ISBN:

This report describes the results of a study using non-nuclear density gauges (NNDGs) to measure the in-situ density of asphalt concrete (AC) material in Virginia. The study compared the NNDG results with those obtained from the use of two traditional AC density acceptance methods: the core method (AASHTO T 166) and the nuclear density gauge (NDG) method. Although these two methods are the most widely used methods of accepting AC density, the core method is time-consuming and destructive and involves bulky test setups and the NDG method, although portable and non-destructive, is associated with safety concerns related to the presence of radioactive materials in the gauge. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of two NNDGs as a potentially safe, portable, and expedient method of measuring AC density-a key indicator of pavement performance. The direct comparison of NNDG and core density and the acceptance rates with the use of NNDGs and NDGs were the focus of the study. Extensive field and laboratory tests were conducted to determine AC density using two models of NNDGs (i.e., the Troxler PaveTracker Plus and the TransTech Model PQI 301) and one model of an NDG (i.e., the Troxler Model 4640-B). Density measurements of AC cores/plugs taken at gauge testing locations were conducted in the laboratory in accordance with AASHTO T 166 for comparisons. The results of the field testing showed that NNDG measurements were not well correlated with core density or NDG measurements. However, there was good agreement between readings from NNDGs and NDGs in terms of identifying core cutting locations (67%), control strip acceptance (75%), and test section acceptance (95%). This apparent contradiction between the acceptance rate among the gauges and the poor correlation could be explained by the relatively low ranges in measured field density (0-5 lb/ft3), which is within the precision ranges of the gauges used. The results of additional laboratory testing of 10 AC slabs with air void contents ranging from about 3% to 20% confirmed the results of the field testing. Specifically, they demonstrated that compared with NDGs, NNDGs were less sensitive, with an average relative bias of 19.6 lb/ft3 and 9.6 lb/ft3 for the PQI 300 and the PaveTracker Plus, respectively, compared with 2.2 lb/ft3 for the NDG. The results also showed that results from use of the NNDGs were not well correlated with core density measured in accordance with AASHTO T 166, which is generally accepted as the most accurate method of measuring density. The study concludes that NNDGs of the types used in the study are not suitable for measuring AC density for acceptance purposes and thus are not recommended for use as density acceptance tools in Virginia.

Evaluation of New Asphalt Concrete Density Specification

Evaluation of New Asphalt Concrete Density Specification
Author: G. W. Maupin
Publisher:
Total Pages: 24
Release: 1988
Genre: Asphalt concrete
ISBN:

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate a new asphalt concrete density specification that utilizes a nuclear gauge and a control strip technique. The specification was studied on two field projects, and recommendations were made to improve it. The recommendations were to eliminate the correction factor, increase the number of density determinations, adopt a uniform policy in establishing the Marshall density, and provide instruction concerning roller patterns.

Evaluation of Non-nuclear Density Gauges for HMAC

Evaluation of Non-nuclear Density Gauges for HMAC
Author: Stephen Sebesta
Publisher:
Total Pages: 88
Release: 2003
Genre: Pavements, Asphalt
ISBN:

This report describes research efforts to determine if commercially available non-nuclear density gauges can be used for TxDOT's density profile and joint density testing procedures. Researchers conducted testing with a Troxler 3450 nuclear gauge (operated in the thin-lift mode) and the Pavetracker (PT) and Pavement Quality Indicator (PQI) non-nuclear gauges. In a laboratory setting, research showed all the gauges could be affected by mix temperature, where gauge readings typically decreased with decreasing mix temperature. All gauges readings were also impacted by moisture, with the nuclear gauge least impacted. The precision of all gauges in the lab was good, with standard deviations below 0.5 pcf with the non-nuclear gauges and less than 1.0 pcf with the nuclear gauge. Field-testing showed the PQI was a suitable alternative to the nuclear gauge for density profiling and joint density testing.

A Working Review of Available Non-nuclear Equipment for Determining In-place Density of Asphalt

A Working Review of Available Non-nuclear Equipment for Determining In-place Density of Asphalt
Author: Shad M. Sargand
Publisher:
Total Pages: 68
Release: 2005
Genre: Pavements, Asphalt
ISBN:

Current non-nuclear methods of measuring asphalt pavement density use electrical properties of asphalt. Two known instruments, the PaveTrackerTM and the PQI Model 300, estimate pavement density by inferring the relative proportion of air-filled voids in the asphalt from a measure of dielectric permittivity. Under this project, currently available and new methods of determining in-place asphalt density were investigated. The investigation included a laboratory study of the PaveTrackerTM's ability to accurately measure density under a variety of conditions, including coarse or fine aggregate in mix, presence of internal and/or surface moisture, sample area, and sample depth. Both the PaveTrackerTM and the PQI Model 300 were evaluated in the field by measuring density of measurement locations at each of 24 project sites and comparing to corresponding values measured by a nuclear gauge and laboratory tests. Recommendations for practice, including expected payoff results in using them, are given.