Evaluation of nondestructive technologies to assess presence and extent of delamination of hot mix asphalt airfield pavements

Abstract

Sufficient bonding between the hot mix asphalt layers is essential to ensure the desired structural capacity of a pavement. Delamination or debonding problems are particularly more severe on airfield pavements, due to higher traffic loads applied by aircrafts. Further progression of delamination may result in stripping of the lower layers due to the intrusion of moisture or may develop other dangerous distresses such as foreign object debris. The existing nondestructive testing procedures and equipment that have the potential to address the problem were identified and their effectiveness and potential for success were evaluated. The Ground Penetrating Radar, Falling Weight Deflectometer, Thermography, Sonic/Seismic Methods and Impulse Response were evaluated on a controlled pavement section that was specifically constructed with various levels and depths of debonding and two airfields. Most technologies can detect severe delamination successfully. Even though not perfect, the impulse response method (with a site specific temperature adjustment) and ultrasonic surface wave method are the most promising methods for detecting debonded sections.