Computer Applications in Intelligent Compaction

The term “intelligent compaction” is now heard so often one might believe that the method used for documenting and controlling the quality of hot-mix asphalt pavement has evolved to a state of total commercial and engineering acceptance. In fact, today’s most-used process for determining the density of an asphalt mat uses 1960’s technology. Now, however, the responsibility for quality control (QC) of the paving and compaction process has largely been given to the contractor. This shift in responsibility comes at a time when the construction industry as a whole is faced with the worst labor shortage in history, limiting the number of qualified QC technicians and equipment operators. Recently, researchers introduced a patented system that, when mounted on a vibratory asphalt compactor, can render an asphalt density reading (in pounds per cubic foot) every 1s in real time. This paper briefly describes the system and details the essential contributions made by computer hardware and software to a successful onboard asphalt density measuring system.