This project evaluates and promotes state-of-the art pavement condition evaluation equipment and consolidates previous ongoing activities with SHRP implementation efforts related to pavement condition measurement. The project will be expanded to include new technology as it becomes available.

Three kinds of equipment have been evaluated through field test and evaluation:

• SHRP Ground Penetrating Radar
• SHRP Seismic Pavement Analyzer
• Fully Automated Pavement Distress Measuring Equipment

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

A field test and demonstration of GPR in an urban environment was conducted in Washington, DC during Summer of 1996. Four radar manufacturers, one radar survey service provider, and one State highway agency participated in the project. The report depicting the data obtained by the participants will be available for distribution in the Spring of 1998.

A separate study is underway where an overview report is to be prepared for the state of the practice of pavement layer thickness determination using GPR. Approximately, ten pertinent studies by different State highway agencies will be reviewed to serve as the foundation and basis for the contents of this report. The final report is scheduled to be completed early Spring of 1998 and distribution will follow.

Seismic Pavement Analyzer (SPA)

The test and evaluations of SPA in the state of Florida is still in progress. Data from different pavement materials, cross-sections, and environment were collected and being analyzed. The Florida A&M-Florida State University College of Engineering constructed test sections inside the school compound to serve as calibration sites. The equipment developers provide guidance to the equipment evaluators to address any type of problems when they arise.

Since the articles about the equipment were published on FOCUS and Roads & Bridges magazines, FHWA received numerous inquiries from the highway communities not only in the United States but also in Europe and South America. A final report of the findings from the test and evaluation will be published after the project completion.

Test and evaluation in selected States through work orders and equipment loan. A follow-up program of workshops, seminars, and literature is envisioned.

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HIGHWAYTECHNET   VIRTUAL EXPO   PAVEMENTS INDEX

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U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration