Table of ContentsSummaryIntroductionImportance of CompactionMechanics of Intelligent Compaction ControlTypes of Measuring DevicesAnalysis of Intelligent Compaction ControlRecommendations for More Effective ImplementationIntelligent Compaction Control Used as QC /QAConclusionSummaryThis article provides an overview of traditional compaction techniques used on highway construction projects. It then introduces intelligent compaction monitoring (ICC), a newer technology that uses equipment-mounted devices to measure the relative compaction of base and surface layers during highway construction. It then discusses the main types of ICC and associated equipment, as well as how they can be used on construction projects in terms of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) processes. Finally, it uses a case study project to discuss the importance and lessons learned of how ICC can be implemented on other construction projects. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original EssayIntroductionIntelligent Compact Control [ICC] is a rather new and upcoming method used for compaction of base and surface layers of flexible pavements. In short, it can be defined as a process that equips conventional rolling equipment with instruments used to monitor and control the material compaction process. The equipped instruments provide operators with graphical information, which then allows them to better manage their operations. This promotes a more efficiently obtained and uniformly compacted surface, resulting in a longer and more successful service life. ICC can also be implemented with data recording devices that will spatially track compaction operations (Si 2014). This can give the management agency/owner a record of the transaction and can even be used as a means of physical acceptance. According to the Federal Highway Administration [FHWA], ICC began in Europe in the 1980s and was intended for compaction of subgrades. . However, it began to expand into flexible pavement compaction in the 1990s when the value of the product was more considered. The ICC arrived in the United States in the early 2000s, but even today it is still slow to be adapted by state and local agencies (Nieves-Torres [FHWA] 2014). However, entities such as the FHWA and some state DOTs are promoting the widespread use of this technology as the benefits are beginning to be numerous. Importance of Compaction It's no secret that sufficient compaction results in much better pavement performance over its service life. It is a fundamental part of pavement engineering, but compaction for road construction has remained somewhat constant throughout the 20th century, with minor technological advances. That being said, the importance of compaction has long been recognized. As early as 1939, JT Pauls and JF Goode wrote in Public Roads: “The importance of compaction in highway construction has long been recognized. Recent laboratory and field research has repeatedly emphasized the value of thorough consolidation of base and surfacing layers. “Specifically, in flexible pavements, insufficient compaction can result in decreased stiffness and strength. This includes lower tensile strength, higher static and resilient modulilow and lower stability because there is a higher void content. Additionally, insufficient compaction can result in reduced fatigue life, accelerated aging, reduced durability, fraying, rutting, and moisture damage (MST 2017; Pavement Interactive nd ). In short, uniform compaction is ideal for minimizing long-term settlement. High-quality compaction ensures long-lasting performance of base courses and flexible pavements. There are several traditional methods of measuring compaction, including tools such as a nuclear density gauge, penetrometer, deflectometer, and applying a plate load. However, the biggest problem with these measurements is that they are point measurements, meaning they measure the relative compaction of that point only. According to Caterpillar, on a typical road construction project, less than 1% of the surface is actually tested for compaction. This poses a huge problem if uniform compaction is the ultimate goal, as it is difficult to achieve uniform compaction between different measurement points (SCAPA 2013). Additionally, this is one of the biggest advantages of ICC because it continuously measures relative compaction instead of measuring it at different points. Intelligent Compaction Control Mechanics There are many different types of ICC systems, but the most common purpose is to equip vibratory smooth drum compactors with instruments to measure the “relative stiffness” of the material they are compacting. A common system, as shown in Figure 1, includes a display panel in the cabin, a GPS antenna, and a measuring device located inside the rotating drum (SCAPA 2013). Figure 1. Typical ICC system components Although there are different variations of ICC systems, this is the most common system and is produced/promoted by various roller manufacturers. Using the display panel located in the compactor cabin, operators can make real-time decisions to ensure uniform compaction. More sophisticated ICC systems include those that collect stiffness measurements, analyze the data, make adjustments to compaction controls via vibratory roller settings, and then automatically execute the changes to optimize compaction effort (Nieves-Torres [FHWA ] 2017). This type of system that automatically executes changes is still being refined, and current ICC systems rely on operator changes to achieve uniform relative compaction. Types of Measuring Devices As mentioned previously, ICC primarily relies on measurements made from vibrating rollers. There are, however, two types of measuring devices worth noting. The first measuring device is called Compaction Meter Value [CMV], in which an accelerometer is placed inside the rotating drum. This device sends waves into the ground and is then able to measure the “stiffness” of what is below using the response frequency (SCAPA 2013). A diagram showing the operation of the CMV device is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2. Compaction Meter Value (CMV) Measuring DeviceThe CMV measuring device can accurately measure stiffness between 3 and 6 feet depth. However, this type of system can only be used on granular base layers or flexible pavements and must only be equipped with a smooth drum vibratory roller (SCAPA 2013). Many manufacturers produce this type of system and it can be considered the most common type of ICC today. The other type of ICC equipment is called Machine Drive Power (MDP) device in which the rolling resistance of the compaction media ismeasured, then the “stiffness” is measured from this. Unlike the CMV method, this is an energy-based method and currently, Caterpillar is the only manufacturer to produce and market this type of ICC measuring device. MDP devices measure stiffness accurately between 1 and 2 feet and can be equipped with smooth drum or padfoot rollers. According to Caterpillar, this type of system is much more versatile because it can be applied to both granular and cohesive base/soil types, as well as flexible pavements. Caterpillar also states that this type of system is the best ICC system because it measures closer to the depth of the lift you are working on and has better correlation than a CMV system with portable measuring devices, such as a depth gauge. nuclear density (SCAPA 2013).Intelligent Compaction Control AnalysisUsing the ICC method has several advantages, but the most important is the fact that it provides a more uniform and compact surface. This compensates for the biggest drawback of traditional methods of measuring compaction, which is that they only measure at this single point. Instead, ICC continuously monitors relative compactness levels and will thus yield a better final product. With ICC, compaction efforts can be more targeted and effective. Additionally, if ICC is used before laying a flexible pavement, areas of poor quality in the subgrade can be detected and treated before laying the pavement. Another advantage of ICC is its ability to map compaction operations. This information can be loaded into a Geographic Information System [GIS] mapping system. This will then allow the maintenance agency to have a record of the effort and this is even being tested as a means of material acceptance. Using GIS information, agencies can get an idea of ​​potential areas of poor quality that will appear in the future and plan to address them. As with any new technology, it has drawbacks and hesitations. The biggest disadvantage of ICC is the industry's and owners' lack of familiarity with the technology. According to the FHWA, more than 30 states have implemented at least some sort of ICC test, with Texas and Minnesota leading in ICC implementation. Other disadvantages of ICC include difficulty in developing appropriate specifications by agencies, higher initial expenses for new equipment and for upgrading existing equipment, and significant training efforts required to become familiar with the operators, contractors and responsible agencies. Recommendations for More Effective Implementation Since the FHWA can be considered one of the leaders in promoting the implementation of the ICC, they have developed a guide to help state and local agencies implement the technology and to develop appropriate specifications. According to the FHWA, the most important element of using ICC appropriately is to increase communication between agencies and industries so that they can collaborate and come up with a fair and reasonable standard. Additionally, they state that greater familiarity of personnel and equipment should be used, automated GPS validation systems should be implemented, and ICMV roller technology should be further developed so that it can eventually be used as acceptance matrix. Additionally, the Association of American State and Highway Transportation Officials [AASHTO] has developed a set of recommendations for the use of the ICC, with slight variations from the FHWA system, including.