Asphalt Pavement Quality Index via Temperature Dispersion Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a reliable and efficient way to determine the quality of newly laid asphalt pavements and predict their lifespan, with existing technologies failing to provide accurate quality measurements that can be easily related to the pavement's lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a line scanner sensor connected to a processor arrangement that scans and processes temperature data in real-time to calculate a quality index (PDI) by analyzing temperature variations across the pavement width, allowing for the determination of quality and forecast of asphalt pavement lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermographic photographing is used to detect segregation problems, then quality measurement capability is improved, but reliability of quality determination deteriorates because no reliable quality measurement can be established
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measured parameter from simple temperature distribution to a composite parameter (PDI) that integrates temperature data with spatial and temporal characteristics. This transformation converts raw thermographic data into a reliable quality indicator that correlates with pavement lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite quality index (PDI) by combining multiple data dimensions: temperature values, spatial coordinates, and temporal information. This composite parameter provides reliable quality determination that single-parameter measurements cannot achieve
2Device complexity
If manual entry of compaction data is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically collecting, processing, and analyzing data without manual intervention. The thermographic system and positioning equipment autonomously capture quality parameters and generate PDI values, eliminating the need for operators to manually record compaction data
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated electronic data acquisition. Thermographic sensors and GPS systems automatically capture and transmit data to the processing system, substituting human operators with automated measurement and computation systems
3Productivity
If real-time data processing is implemented, then productivity is improved through faster quality assessment, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and pre-processing data during pavement construction. Temperature, position, and time data are captured and organized in real-time, preparing the information structure before final PDI calculation, which enables rapid quality assessment without complex post-processing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable real-time data processing and comparison to establish a quality value (PDI) that accurately predicts the lifespan of newly laid asphalt pavements, with higher PDI values indicating better quality and longer lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
scanning with a sensor (1) in form of a line scanner that measures the IR radiation
Implementation Method 2
a line scanner that measures the IR radiation
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a method to determine the quality of an asphalt pavement, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing and initializing at least one sensor (1) connected to a processor arrangement (2) comprising at least one processor (20A, 20B) connected to at least one memory (21A, 21B), for recording at least the temperature values (Tn), time (t) and/or position (X) momentarily for the entire width (W) of an asphalt pavement (4) in connection with its production along a pavement path (X) b) scanning and registering a number (P) individual temperature ranges (TIn) for a number (P) of the section ranges (ΔX′) in a section (ΔX) c) compiling said temperature ranges (TIn) in said section (ΔX) distributed along said width (W) d) determining and storing in said memory (21) an average temperature range (TIm) presenting an average temperature range (TIm) for the said number (P) of compiled temperature ranges (TIn) distributed along said width (W) of said section (ΔX), e) repeating steps b) to d) until all of said pavement distance (X) is produced, wherein said stored average temperature ranges (TIm), in said memory (21), are processed by said processor (20A, 20B) determining a quality value (V) for said pavement distance (X) based on a relationship value (PDIn) which is related to the dispersion of the average temperature ranges (TIm) widthwise of said path (X).