This project developed and tested a magnetic resonance-based system for in-motion inspection of asphalt for rapid determination of pavement aging, moisture content, and the condition of asphalt concrete roadways.
A set of asphalt samples from the SHRP Reference Materials Library was used, representing a wide variation in properties that affect asphalt aging. The results showed good correlation of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data with the viscosity parameters and with aging induced by loss of volatiles and by accelerated oxidation. Electron proton resonance (EPR) studies provided additional information and correlations. EPR studies of neat asphalts showed typical hydrocarbon response from all samples plus a large multipeak vanadium spectrum from some samples. This EPR vanadium signal provides a basis for correction of the NMR data to make the pavement inspection independent of the types of asphalts and aggregates.
The combination of NMR and EPR techniques was shown to be an effective tool for assessing asphalt condition in pavements. The two resonance systems can use the same magnet and be easily integrated to work in tandem to determine asphalt condition. The system can be mounted on a small trailer for mobile in situ inspection. A recommended field design configuration is shown in Figure 1. Extensive field verification of the system is required for the IDEA product transfer. The final report is available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS # PB95-267688).
The final report for this IDEA project can be found at:
https://www.trb.org/studies/idea/finalreports/highway/NCHRP005_Final_Report.pdf
