Improving Quality Control of Hot-Mix Asphalt Paving with Intelligent Compaction Technology

This paper answers whether existing intelligent compaction (IC) technology can be used in a practical way to improve the quality control (QC) process for hot-mix asphalt (HMA) paving projects. Specifically, the paper investigates the use and the benefits of IC technology for tandem drum vibratory rollers used to construct HMA materials. There is a need to improve QC practices for most typical HMA paving operations. This paper identifies and discusses major shortcomings in conventional compaction equipment and current QC practices. The use of IC technology can address these shortcomings and provide innovative QC tools to contractors and agencies. The paper is based on the findings of the Intelligent Compaction Pooled Fund (ICPF) project that included 16 field demonstration projects in 12 participating states. The ICPF projects were actual highway construction projects in which various pavement materials were placed and compacted with both conventional compaction equipment and rollers that were equipped with IC technology from various suppliers. Eight of the projects included placement and compaction of HMA materials. On these projects, IC was used for only a portion of the project. A case study of the Wisconsin project illustrates the benefits that could have been obtained if IC technology and specifications had been used for the entire project from beginning to end.