Nondestructive Evaluation of the Condition of Subsurface Drainage in Pavements Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Nondestructive Evaluation of the Condition of Subsurface Drainage in Pavements Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Author: Joseph Sinfield
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2017-08-31
Genre:
ISBN: 9781622604739

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Subsurface drainage features are routinely incorporated in the design of pavement systems as they are believed to increase pavement service life provided that they are installed correctly and maintained. Maintenance, however, is challenging in that location and subsequent inspection of these systems can be time consuming and laborious. With this in mind, some departments of transportation have turned to ground penetrating radar as one means to rapidly locate subsurface drainage features in pavements and thus alleviate some of the cost and complexity of maintaining these systems, but with mixed results.In this context, this study pursued a two-pronged approach to improve GPR-based location of sub-pavement drainage systems, involving: (1) software-based signal processing and (2) modifications of hardware test configurations. From a signal processing perspective, two complementary signal processing approaches were developed in this work. Method 1 involved algorithms that are designed to reduce GPR signal background clutter and noise by taking advantage of the somewhat uniform nature of the strata underlying constructed pavements and to systematically remove anomalous signals. Method 2 focused on enhancing 2-D image quality to facilitate recognition of hyperbolic signal returns indicative of drain detection. From a hardware perspective, field experiments were also carried out in this work to validate the signal processing algorithms and assess the potential for alternative antenna configurations to enhance detection success. Five different antenna configurations were tested in total. When employed in field settings, the signal processing algorithms demonstrated an ability to routinely detect X-drains (shallow depth, PVC) with 2-3 false alarms per successful detection. Similarly, all known K-drains (moderate depth, metal/clay) in the studied field test regions were successfully identified, although each successful K-drain detection was accompanied by a significant number of potential false alarms. Beyond these signal conditioning related findings, additional recommendations for field deployed GPR survey line selection, antennae configuration, and frequency selection are also provided.

Use of Nondestructive Evaluation to Detect Moisture in Flexible Pavements

Use of Nondestructive Evaluation to Detect Moisture in Flexible Pavements
Author: Brian K. Diefenderfer
Publisher:
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2006
Genre: Ground penetrating radar
ISBN:

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The purpose of this study was to identify the currently available nondestructive evaluation technology that holds the greatest potential to detect moisture in flexible pavements and then apply the technology in multiple locations throughout Virginia. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was chosen for use in a field investigation because of its ability to measure large areal extents and reports of successful implementation by other researchers. This technology was used to determine the moisture content of the subgrade beneath five flexible pavement sections in Virginia. The GPR survey was conducted at normal driving speeds, and data were collected at a sampling rate of 1 scan per foot. For each site, three scans were collected in the travel lane (in the right wheel path, the center of the lane, and in the left wheel path). Existing passing lanes were also scanned. Initial data processing subdivided each pavement section into a three-layer system composed of the hot-mix asphalt layers, the aggregate base layers, and the subgrade. The processing also included calculating the dielectric constant of each layer. These raw data were used to conduct further analyses considering data from only the subgrade. The data were normalized to highlight those areas with the highest dielectric constants since it is known that moisture will have the greatest influence on the dielectric properties of the material. This study showed that GPR can identify areas of varying dielectric constant attributed to variations in the moisture content of the subgrade of various pavement sections. The use of the GPR offered a safe and rapid means for nondestructively surveying large areas of pavement as the survey was conducted at normal driving speeds. In addition, the use of a statistically based data normalization procedure allowed GPR to be used to assess qualitatively the moisture condition of the subgrade of flexible pavements. Two advantages of GPR testing are that it can be used to provide a continuous reading of subgrade moisture conditions (rather than a point location) and can be performed at highway speeds with no traffic control. A typical network-level study involving one subgrade bore per mile would cost $1,200 per location. The cost for the current study averaged $0.04 per data point. Assuming one data point every foot and three scans per lane, the resultant cost was approximately $680 per mile. VDOT maintains approximately 225 lane-miles of flexible pavement with subsurface drainage layers and does not routinely inspect the condition of the outlet pipes. In approximately 1 workday, a two-person crew could use a push camera to inspect approximately 5 lane-miles worth of outlet pipes for subsurface drainage layers or the GPR system could scan approximately 330 lane-miles (assuming operation at 55 mph for 6 hours). Thus, the entire system of flexible pavement with subsurface drainage could be inspected in approximately 2% of the time.

Ground Penetrating Radar for Evaluating Subsurface Conditions for Transportation Facilities

Ground Penetrating Radar for Evaluating Subsurface Conditions for Transportation Facilities
Author: Rexford M. Morey
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
Total Pages: 48
Release: 1998
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780309061100

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This synthesis will be of interest to state Department of Transportation (DOT) geotechnical, bridge, and pavement engineers, engineering geologists, consultants involved with ground penetrating radar (GPR) investigations for state DOTs, and researchers. It describes the current state of the practice of using GPR for evaluating subsurface conditions for transportation facilities. This was accomplished by conducting a literature search and review and an extensive survey of U.S. and Canadian transportation agencies and practitioners, as well as limited international information collection. GPR is a noninvasive nondestructive tool used in transportation applications such as evaluation and characterization of pavement systems, soils, and environmental problems. This report of the Transportation Research Board presents information on the principles, equipment, logistics, applications, and limitations of GPR pertaining to transportation applications. Selected case studies for which ground truth information is available are presented. In addition, an extensive bibliography and glossary are provided as well as appending information about GPR manufacturers from their literature.

Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar for Highway Pavements

Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar for Highway Pavements
Author: Dimitri A. Grivas
Publisher:
Total Pages: 92
Release: 2006
Genre: Ground penetrating radar
ISBN:

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The research project objective was to develop an implementation strategy for the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology to address pavement systems and underground utilities. The project was divided into three tasks. Task 1 dealt with a review in the state-of-the-art in technology, relevant applications, and regulations in the use of GPR. Task 2 discussed the effort and results of GPR survey projects on pavements systems and underground utilities that were performed as part of this project in selected locations. Task 3 developed an implementation strategy for NYSDOT for defining and procuring GPR services in addressing problems in pavement systems and mapping & locating underground utilities.

Using Nondestructive Testing Technologies to Assist in Selecting the Optimal Pavement Rehabilitation Strategy

Using Nondestructive Testing Technologies to Assist in Selecting the Optimal Pavement Rehabilitation Strategy
Author: DH. Chen
Publisher:
Total Pages: 9
Release: 2007
Genre: Detectors
ISBN:

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A comprehensive evaluation of pavement condition and an understanding of the underlying causes of pavement distress is vital in selecting the optimal rehabilitation strategy. Three projects were investigated in this study to demonstrate the application of nondestructive testing technologies in this election process. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Falling Weight Deflectometer(FWD), and Dynamic Cone Penetrometers (DCP) were successfully used on these TxDOT projects. GPR was employed successfully to locate defects in the hot mix surface layer that were responsible for the chronic distress on US 69.This roadway was rehabilitated previously but the strategy used had not addressed the root cause of the pavement problem. FWD and DCP data were also used to determine the structural capacity or layer moduli of the pavement system that allows the designer to derive the overlay thickness. Coring and trenching were utilized to verify the defects detected in the GPR data. The advantage of nondestructive testing is that it provides a comprehensive evaluation of sub surface conditions throughout the entire project, not only at locations where coring and trenching are performed. Furthermore, GPR was employed to verify a rehab design of an old JCP pavement on SH 73. Originally, the plan called for pressure grouting to fill the subsurface voids. However, GPR found no voids under the JCP slab; this was validated in subsequent coring. Therefore the GPR results helped district personnel to eliminate the cost of the pressure grouting. For comparison purposes, GPR results from IH 45 and US 82 (where there were voids under JCP slabs) were utilized.

Pavement Subsurface Drainage Systems

Pavement Subsurface Drainage Systems
Author: Barry Rodney Christopher
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
Total Pages: 56
Release: 1997
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780309060158

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This synthesis will be of interest to geologists; hydrologists; geotechnical, pavement, construction, and maintenance engineers; and researchers. State department of transportation (DOT) program managers and administrators will also find it of interest. The synthesis describes the current state of the practice for the design, construction, and maintenance of pavement subsurface drainage systems. It provides information on the positive effects of good subsurface drainage and the negative effects of poor subsurface drainage on pavement surfaces. This report of the Transportation Research Board presents data obtained from a review of the literature and a survey of the state DOTs. It is a supplemental update to NCHRP Synthesis of Highway Practice 96, Pavement Subsurface Drainage Systems (1982). The synthesis provides a supplement to design issues not found in Synthesis 96, but faced by current designers, e.g., type and quality of aggregate, compaction requirements for open-graded aggregates, asphalt and cement binders, and use of geosynthetics. In addition, it describes the effects of design, construction, and maintenance decisions on the performance of pavement subsurface drainage systems.

Pavement Drainage: Theory and Practice

Pavement Drainage: Theory and Practice
Author: G L Sivakumar Babu
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 239
Release: 2019-08-26
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1351135929

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SUMMARY This book provides complete coverage of surface and subsurface drainage of all types of pavements for highways, urban roads, parking lots, airports, and container terminals. It provides up-to-date information on the principles and technologies for designing and building drainage systems and examines numerous issues, including maintenance and designing for flood events. Practical considerations and sophisticated analysis, such the use of the finite element method and unsaturated soil mechanics, anisotropy and uncertainties, are presented. This book allows civil engineers to make the best use of their resources to provide cost effective and sustainable pavements. Features Presents a holistic consideration of drainage with respect to pavement performance. Includes numerous practical case studies. Examines flooding and the impacts of climate change. Includes PowerPoint slides which include quizzes, schematics, figures, and tables.

Guide for Conducting Forensic Investigations of Highway Pavements (with supplemental material on CD-ROM)

Guide for Conducting Forensic Investigations of Highway Pavements (with supplemental material on CD-ROM)
Author: Gonzalo R. Rada
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
Total Pages: 162
Release: 2013
Genre: Pavements
ISBN: 0309283450

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"TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 747: Guide for Conducting Forensic Investigations of Highway Pavements explores a process for conducting forensic investigations of pavements that is designed to help understand the reasons behind premature failures or exceptionally good performance. The process also allows for the collection of data for use in developing or calibrating performance-prediction models. The report includes example forms and checklists for use during the conduct of an investigation. These forms can be modified to suit the particular requirements and procedures for the agency. The example forms are included with the print version of the report in CD-ROM format." --Publisher description.