This project developed and tested an infrared sensor-based screed attachment for asphalt paving equipment to monitor temperature differentials as a method for detecting and measuring segregation during construction. The prototype system consists of a transverse line of infrared sensors, signal conditioners, computer data acquisition system, and a global positioning system (GPS). The system is capable of continuously monitoring temperature differentials during construction. Real time transverse temperatures are plotted on a computer screen for use by the paving crew. The software produces a summary of potentially segregated areas by level of segregation (i.e. low, medium, and high) as well as the number of paver stops over one minute for use by the state agency. Preliminary testing with the system on existing pavement surfaces shows that the system cam adequately evaluate the transverse temperature differential (Fig. 1). The low budget GPS system is found to be reasonably accurate over multiple runs for locating pavement anomalies. The software is easy to use and automatically prepares agency report that locates all non-uniform transverse temperature areas.  The final report is available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS # PB2003-102864).

The final report for this IDEA project can be found at:
https://www.trb.org/studies/idea/finalreports/highway/NCHRP073_Final_Report.pdf