Quality control of asphalt pavement compaction using fibre Bragg grating sensing technology

Compaction quality control (QC) of asphalt pavement is an important operation, which still lacks of real-time and convenient methods to achieve the controlling goals. Based on the principle of fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology and hypothesis of relationship between material stable performance and deformation property, a framework for QC of asphalt pavement compaction using FBG sensing technology was provided. Simulation laboratory experiments which included compaction and loading test of a composite rutting plate embedded FBG sensor were carried out. According to monitoring indicator found in laboratory tests, the QC method was practiced in an engineering project. Results indicate that FBG sensing technology can effectively catch rolling response information. When the value of indicator SDI obtained from the response information approaches to zero for the second time in succession, rolling pass number can ensure asphalt mixture meet compactness requirement. Results of laboratory test and data from engineering application are in good conformity. The effective compaction control distance is ±90 m from measuring point. FBG sensors embedded in asphalt pavement not only can identify the weak compacting areas on the basis of different FBG sensor response values, but also can be used for long-term monitoring of pavement structural behaviour.