In 2022, Infrasense conducted four unique vehicle-based ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys and reports for highways near Atlanta, GA. The non-destructive evaluations (NDE) covered over 100 lane-miles of pavement, approximately 50 adjoining ramps, 30 sets of approach/ departure slabs, and 10 bridge decks. The GPR data was collected along both wheel paths of each lane and analyzed primarily to calculate continuous layer thickness profiles. These profiles often included combinations of asphalt (AC), concrete (PCC), composite pavement, and base layers. The project provided the client with tabular and graphical datasets plotted at a 5-ft interval along the wheel-paths of each lane, with each point linked to precise GPS coordinates. Additionally, pavement thickness data was provided to the client in ArcGIS format, with pavement layer thicknesses shown on a continuous color scale at each plotted point. These datasets help visualize how the constructed layers of the roadway change in thickness along the length of each lane, and identified areas of potential settlement and moisture intrusion. The surveys were conducted at driving speed with no closures, no disruption to traffic, and zero impact to the integrity of the road.
The GPR data collection system was made up of a 1 GHz horn antenna and a SIR 30 control unit, both manufactured by GSSI in Nashua, NH. The final report included a quantitative summary of average layer depths in each lane, along with visual plots showing the sub-surface strata along the length of the section.
The GPR pavement surveys are carried out according to ASTM D4748-10. The resulting data shows a cross-sectional slice of the pavement strata at various offsets. Each slice includes the surface, and any material change in the first few feet below the surface. The data is processed and analyzed using proprietary internally developed software specifically designed for pavement and bridge assessments.
This past year, Infrasense evaluated the pavement profile and condition of over 2500 miles of pavement across 30 unique projects including nondestructive testing of highways in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Vermont. Infrasense methods have addressed a variety of pavement structures including asphalt over granular base, composite pavements, continuously reinforce concrete pavements (CRCP), jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP), and jointed reinforced concrete pavements (JRCP).
About Infrasense, Inc.
Since 1987, Infrasense, Inc. has applied advanced technologies to address the most difficult challenges in subsurface scanning. Infrasense’s engineers nondestructively extract critical information from a diverse range of structures. In addition to providing ongoing subsurface evaluation services to clients across the country, the firm has also conducted numerous research programs to advance the field of subsurface detection and nondestructive evaluation. To learn more about Infrasense and the services we provide, visit our website:
http://www.infrasense.com
