New Methodology for Concrete Pavement Quality Control Using Temperature and Moisture Measurement Techniques (05-1489) - MP-20
Seong-Min Kim, Kyung Hee University, South Korea
Jeong-Hee Nam, Korea Institute of Construction Technology
Terry Dossey, University of Texas, Austin
Young-Chan Suh, Hanyang University, South Korea
German J. Claros, Rodriguez Engineering Laboratories
B. Frank McCullough, University of Texas, Austin

A methodology has been developed for concrete pavement quality control based on the temperature and moisture measurement techniques. Engineers have known for some time the detrimental effects of high temperatures and excessive moisture loss, but have not been able to monitor them in an acceptable fashion. The devices to measure the temperature and moisture in the concrete were developed using the innovative and inexpensive Dallas Semiconductor i-Buttons. The developed measurement devices were tried many times in the field and nearly 100% reliability was achieved. The concrete temperature patterns in the vertical, transverse, and longitudinal directions of the pavement were identified from the beginning of construction using the device containing the Thermochron i-Buttons, and the concrete moisture variation was investigated using the device containing the Hygrochron i-Button. Finally, performance specifications were proposed for quality control of concrete pavements based on the use of the developed devices and the temperature and moisture prediction models.