Microwave Reflectometry Study for Quality Monitoring of Asphalt Concrete

This paper proposes a system for classifying asphalt concrete (AC), based on the amount of asphalt binder used while preparing the concrete. ACs are classified using non-destructive, non-contact testing in laboratory on specimens of rectangular shape, which should be extended to test asphalt roads at highway speed. The testing utilizes reflected EM waves from the specimen in a laboratory setup consisting of EM source, waveguide and EM power measurement devices. The results of the laboratory testing on two AC specimens, a good specimen and a bad specimen, are discussed to conclude a possibility for quality monitoring of AC.