Evaluation of compaction uniformity of the paving layer based on transverse and longitudinal measurements

ABSTRACT

Compaction uniformity is essential to the successful performance of asphalt pavement. Therefore, understanding the characteristic and full evaluation on the overall density distribution in field construction is necessary. An available method capable to assess compaction uniformity of the hot paving layer was proposed by considering both longitudinal and transverse density distribution. Field tests of density distribution behind pavers and rollers were conducted on two test sections, respectively. Then, the quantitative evaluation indexes of uniformity (i.e. the range (R), coefficient of variation (CV), repeatability standard deviation in detection track (Sr), etc.) were used to analyse compaction uniformity and the severity of non-uniformity of the asphalt mat. Moreover, the uniformity variation from paving to rolling was evaluated through the tests and a compaction uniformity model. Results indicated that rolling compaction could intensify the degree of non-uniformity of the paving mat, although all the density after rollers is higher than the density behind pavers, and simulation analysis corresponds with the test results. The uniformity of density distribution in transverse is worse than in longitudinal. Tamper seemed to be more effective than other parameters at improving the initial density, while frequency of vibrator appeared to have the most impact on transverse compaction uniformity.

KEYWORDS:

• Road engineering
• compaction uniformity
• density distribution
• transverse evaluation
• vibration frequency
• asphalt pavement

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors wish to acknowledge the support from the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, CHD [grant numbers 300102259304 and 300102258401] and the Research Projects of China railway seven innings group co., LTD [grant number 16A25].