Phase II: Continuous Asphalt Mixture Compaction Assessment using Density Profiling System (DPS)

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General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(538)
Former Study Number:
Lead Organization: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Solicitation Number: 1610
Partners: AK, FHWA, GADOT, IADOT, ID, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, ND, NY, OH, UT, WA
Status: Cleared by FHWA
Est. Completion Date:
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Dec 10, 2024
Contract End Date:
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Suggested Contribution:
Total Commitments Received: $1,275,000.00
100% SP&R Approval: Approved
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Kyle Hoegh
kyle.hoegh@state.mn.us
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Hoda Azari
hoda.azari@dot.gov
Phone: 202-493-3064
Study Champion(s): Monica Jurado
monica.jurado@dot.gov
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 2025 $25,000.00 Richard Giessel Cristina DeMattio
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 2026 $25,000.00 Richard Giessel Cristina DeMattio
Federal Highway Administration 2025 $25,000.00 Stephen Cooper Stephen Cooper
Federal Highway Administration 2026 $25,000.00 Stephen Cooper Stephen Cooper
Federal Highway Administration 2027 $25,000.00 Stephen Cooper Stephen Cooper
Federal Highway Administration 2028 $25,000.00 Stephen Cooper Stephen Cooper
Georgia Department of Transportation $0.00
Idaho Department of Transportation 2024 $25,000.00 Sikha Bhusal Amanda Laib
Idaho Department of Transportation 2025 $75,000.00 Sikha Bhusal Amanda Laib
Iowa Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Brian Johnson -- --
Iowa Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Brian Johnson -- --
Iowa Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Brian Johnson -- --
Iowa Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Brian Johnson -- --
Maine Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Ryan Vose Ulrich Amoussou-Guenou
Maine Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Ryan Vose Ulrich Amoussou-Guenou
Maine Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Ryan Vose Ulrich Amoussou-Guenou
Maine Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Ryan Vose Ulrich Amoussou-Guenou
Michigan Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Fawaz Kaseer Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Fawaz Kaseer Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Fawaz Kaseer Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Fawaz Kaseer Andre' Clover
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Kyle Hoegh Leif Halverson
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Kyle Hoegh Leif Halverson
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Kyle Hoegh Leif Halverson
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Kyle Hoegh Leif Halverson
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Griffin Sullivan Robert Vance
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Griffin Sullivan Robert Vance
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Griffin Sullivan Robert Vance
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Griffin Sullivan Robert Vance
Missouri Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Jonathan Varner Jennifer Harper
Missouri Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Jonathan Varner Jennifer Harper
Missouri Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Jonathan Varner Jennifer Harper
Missouri Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Jonathan Varner Jennifer Harper
New York State Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Brendan Rock Gail Carpenter
New York State Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Brendan Rock Gail Carpenter
New York State Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Brendan Rock Gail Carpenter
New York State Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Brendan Rock Gail Carpenter
North Dakota Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Jonathan Stork TJ Murphy
North Dakota Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Jonathan Stork TJ Murphy
North Dakota Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Jonathan Stork TJ Murphy
North Dakota Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Jonathan Stork TJ Murphy
Ohio Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Craig Landefeld Vicky Fout
Ohio Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Craig Landefeld Vicky Fout
Utah Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Ken Talbot David Stevens
Utah Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Ken Talbot David Stevens
Utah Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Ken Talbot David Stevens
Utah Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Ken Talbot David Stevens
Washington State Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Karen Carlie Mustafa Mohamedali
Washington State Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Karen Carlie Mustafa Mohamedali
Washington State Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Karen Carlie Mustafa Mohamedali

Study Description

The density of an asphalt pavement after construction is a key indicator of its durability and ability to withstand traffic demands in the coming years. Achieving desired and consistent pavement density can have tremendous impact on pavement life, with small differences having major cost implications for future maintenance, repair and reconstruction. Drilling and testing core samples remains a common method for testing density, but such spot checks are time intensive, damage the pavement and cannot accurately represent the density of the entire paved area. A promising alternative is the dielectric profiling system (DPS), sometimes referred to as a density profiling system, which uses noninvasive ground-penetrating technology at the pavement’s surface to measure and report the density of the area in real time, continuously and completely. However, while the science is sound, many questions stand as barriers to deployment of DPS in the field. To develop DPS into an effective and efficient technology that can be put into practice, Transportation Pooled Fund study TPF-5(443) was initiated in 2020, funded by lead organization Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT), 13 additional state DOTs and FHWA. This pooled fund study undertook research and study in seven tasks areas: (1) software and hardware improvements; (2) development of AASHTO data collection and analysis specification; (3) precision and bias testing; (4) equipment and operator certification; (5) support communications; (6) training and technical assistance; and (7) promotion of DPS technology. Representatives from national and state transportation agencies, academia and industry provided study guidance and oversight over findings, as documented at https://www.dot.state.mn.us/materials/dps/, and together moved this technology forward by determining barriers to the implementation of DPS for field measurement and acceptance, as well as tools and paths to overcome these barriers.  Lab and field full-scale testing was expanded to include simulation work by the FHWA NDE lab at Turner Fairbanks that shows promise in defining optimal conditions and best use of DPS technology. Near the end of the pooled fund study, which is scheduled to come to a close in late 2024, participants in an informal poll unanimously agreed that a second phase of the study is needed  to completing the study’s mission with emphasis on assisting states in implementation. 

All states (whether they were members of the initial phase or not) are encouraged to join the 2nd phase of this pooled fund, as the workplan will be designed to build on the successes of the previous phase as well as the fresh perspectives of new agencies joining for phase II.

Objectives

The objective of the ongoing pooled-fund project is to use DPS to improve density construction leading to longer lasting pavements.  In addition, the goal is to reduce the need for destructive methods such as coring in evaluating the in-place density to improve both safety and coverage of the evaluation process.  Phase II will include both research and implementation track activities.  The second phase of the pooled-fund project will continue to build upon and advance the progress made in Phase I by answering technical and practical questions related to DPS and developing tools and guidance for implementing DPS in the field as a best practice for density measurement.

Scope of Work

Detailed Phase II scoping work was conducted with input and review from Phase I participants. A final work plan will be developed based on the priorities indicated by the pooled fund participants during a kickoff meeting and related scoping activities, as well as evolving needs and changes in the state of the technology and industry. However, based on the discussion among the current participants, it is anticipated that the work plan will consist of three tracks: research and development; implementation; and marketing and communication. The research and development track will address outstanding technical and engineering questions: (1) field, lab and simulation research of critical factors to develop best and worst use conditions for DPS; (2) evaluation of improved data collection methods; (3) benefit-cost analysis of DPS compared with other density measurements; (4) development of advanced analysis techniques; and (5) identification of uses of dielectric data without converting to density. A parallel implementation track will continue to address user needs and barriers in these areas: (6) development of training, demonstrations and pilot projects; (7) updating AASHTO specifications and ghost implementation protocols; (8) support of a national pilot project ghost implementations; and (10) development of a DPS certification center. Marketing and communication will include continued support through meetings, webinars, publication of findings and summaries, updates to the DPS website with detailed program content, technical training, implementation training, and technology promotion and marketing. Across all of these tracks and tasks areas, tentative specific subtasks have been scoped but remain open to further definition and revision.  An outline of the proposed tasks can be found here: DPS Workplan - Materials & Road Research - MnDOT (state.mn.us)

Comments

This project is expected to have a minimum participation of at least five agency members with a minimum annual commitment of $25,000 per agency. The study period will be set for four years.  A matching funds waiver to allow for 100% SP&R funding for this study has been requested.

Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
Letter of Acceptance - TPF-5(538) Letter of Acceptance - TPF-5(538)LH.pdf Other Other Public 2024-08-12
Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
#1610 SPR Match Waiver Memorandum #1610 SPR Match Waiver Memorandum MNDOT.pdf Memorandum SPR Match Waiver Approval Memorandum Public 2024-07-22

Phase II: Continuous Asphalt Mixture Compaction Assessment using Density Profiling System (DPS)

General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(538)
Lead Organization: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Solicitation Number: 1610
Partners: AK, FHWA, GADOT, IADOT, ID, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, ND, NY, OH, UT, WA
Status: Cleared by FHWA
Est. Completion Date:
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Dec 10, 2024
Contract End Date:
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Total Commitments Received: $1,275,000.00
100% SP&R Approval:
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Kyle Hoegh
kyle.hoegh@state.mn.us
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Hoda Azari
hoda.azari@dot.gov
Phone: 202-493-3064
Commitments by Organizations
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 2025 $25,000.00 Richard Giessel Cristina DeMattio +1 9074515382 Cristina.DeMattio@alaska.gov
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 2026 $25,000.00 Richard Giessel Cristina DeMattio +1 9074515382 Cristina.DeMattio@alaska.gov
Federal Highway Administration 2025 $25,000.00 Stephen Cooper Stephen Cooper 443-257-7145 Stephen.J.Cooper@dot.gov
Federal Highway Administration 2026 $25,000.00 Stephen Cooper Stephen Cooper 443-257-7145 Stephen.J.Cooper@dot.gov
Federal Highway Administration 2027 $25,000.00 Stephen Cooper Stephen Cooper 443-257-7145 Stephen.J.Cooper@dot.gov
Federal Highway Administration 2028 $25,000.00 Stephen Cooper Stephen Cooper 443-257-7145 Stephen.J.Cooper@dot.gov
Idaho Department of Transportation 2024 $25,000.00 Sikha Bhusal Amanda Laib 208-334-8181 amanda.laib@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho Department of Transportation 2025 $75,000.00 Sikha Bhusal Amanda Laib 208-334-8181 amanda.laib@itd.idaho.gov
Iowa Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Brian Johnson -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Iowa Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Brian Johnson -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Iowa Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Brian Johnson -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Iowa Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Brian Johnson -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Maine Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Ryan Vose Ulrich Amoussou-Guenou Ulrich.Amoussou-Guenou@maine.gov
Maine Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Ryan Vose Ulrich Amoussou-Guenou Ulrich.Amoussou-Guenou@maine.gov
Maine Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Ryan Vose Ulrich Amoussou-Guenou Ulrich.Amoussou-Guenou@maine.gov
Maine Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Ryan Vose Ulrich Amoussou-Guenou Ulrich.Amoussou-Guenou@maine.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Fawaz Kaseer Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Fawaz Kaseer Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Fawaz Kaseer Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Fawaz Kaseer Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Kyle Hoegh Leif Halverson Leif.Halverson@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Kyle Hoegh Leif Halverson Leif.Halverson@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Kyle Hoegh Leif Halverson Leif.Halverson@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Kyle Hoegh Leif Halverson Leif.Halverson@state.mn.us
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Griffin Sullivan Robert Vance RVance@mdot.ms.gov
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Griffin Sullivan Robert Vance RVance@mdot.ms.gov
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Griffin Sullivan Robert Vance RVance@mdot.ms.gov
Mississippi Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Griffin Sullivan Robert Vance RVance@mdot.ms.gov
Missouri Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Jonathan Varner Jennifer Harper 573-526-3636 Jennifer.Harper@modot.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Jonathan Varner Jennifer Harper 573-526-3636 Jennifer.Harper@modot.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Jonathan Varner Jennifer Harper 573-526-3636 Jennifer.Harper@modot.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Jonathan Varner Jennifer Harper 573-526-3636 Jennifer.Harper@modot.mo.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Brendan Rock Gail Carpenter 518-457-8083 Gail.Carpenter@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Brendan Rock Gail Carpenter 518-457-8083 Gail.Carpenter@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Brendan Rock Gail Carpenter 518-457-8083 Gail.Carpenter@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Brendan Rock Gail Carpenter 518-457-8083 Gail.Carpenter@dot.ny.gov
North Dakota Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Jonathan Stork TJ Murphy 701-328-6910 tjmurphy@nd.gov
North Dakota Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Jonathan Stork TJ Murphy 701-328-6910 tjmurphy@nd.gov
North Dakota Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Jonathan Stork TJ Murphy 701-328-6910 tjmurphy@nd.gov
North Dakota Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Jonathan Stork TJ Murphy 701-328-6910 tjmurphy@nd.gov
Ohio Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Craig Landefeld Vicky Fout 614-466-3029 vicky.fout@dot.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Craig Landefeld Vicky Fout 614-466-3029 vicky.fout@dot.ohio.gov
Utah Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Ken Talbot David Stevens 801-589-8340 davidstevens@utah.gov
Utah Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Ken Talbot David Stevens 801-589-8340 davidstevens@utah.gov
Utah Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Ken Talbot David Stevens 801-589-8340 davidstevens@utah.gov
Utah Department of Transportation 2028 $25,000.00 Ken Talbot David Stevens 801-589-8340 davidstevens@utah.gov
Washington State Department of Transportation 2025 $25,000.00 Karen Carlie Mustafa Mohamedali 360-704-6307 Mustafa.Mohamedali@wsdot.wa.gov
Washington State Department of Transportation 2026 $25,000.00 Karen Carlie Mustafa Mohamedali 360-704-6307 Mustafa.Mohamedali@wsdot.wa.gov
Washington State Department of Transportation 2027 $25,000.00 Karen Carlie Mustafa Mohamedali 360-704-6307 Mustafa.Mohamedali@wsdot.wa.gov

Study Description

Study Description

The density of an asphalt pavement after construction is a key indicator of its durability and ability to withstand traffic demands in the coming years. Achieving desired and consistent pavement density can have tremendous impact on pavement life, with small differences having major cost implications for future maintenance, repair and reconstruction. Drilling and testing core samples remains a common method for testing density, but such spot checks are time intensive, damage the pavement and cannot accurately represent the density of the entire paved area. A promising alternative is the dielectric profiling system (DPS), sometimes referred to as a density profiling system, which uses noninvasive ground-penetrating technology at the pavement’s surface to measure and report the density of the area in real time, continuously and completely. However, while the science is sound, many questions stand as barriers to deployment of DPS in the field. To develop DPS into an effective and efficient technology that can be put into practice, Transportation Pooled Fund study TPF-5(443) was initiated in 2020, funded by lead organization Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT), 13 additional state DOTs and FHWA. This pooled fund study undertook research and study in seven tasks areas: (1) software and hardware improvements; (2) development of AASHTO data collection and analysis specification; (3) precision and bias testing; (4) equipment and operator certification; (5) support communications; (6) training and technical assistance; and (7) promotion of DPS technology. Representatives from national and state transportation agencies, academia and industry provided study guidance and oversight over findings, as documented at https://www.dot.state.mn.us/materials/dps/, and together moved this technology forward by determining barriers to the implementation of DPS for field measurement and acceptance, as well as tools and paths to overcome these barriers.  Lab and field full-scale testing was expanded to include simulation work by the FHWA NDE lab at Turner Fairbanks that shows promise in defining optimal conditions and best use of DPS technology. Near the end of the pooled fund study, which is scheduled to come to a close in late 2024, participants in an informal poll unanimously agreed that a second phase of the study is needed  to completing the study’s mission with emphasis on assisting states in implementation. 

All states (whether they were members of the initial phase or not) are encouraged to join the 2nd phase of this pooled fund, as the workplan will be designed to build on the successes of the previous phase as well as the fresh perspectives of new agencies joining for phase II.

Objectives

The objective of the ongoing pooled-fund project is to use DPS to improve density construction leading to longer lasting pavements.  In addition, the goal is to reduce the need for destructive methods such as coring in evaluating the in-place density to improve both safety and coverage of the evaluation process.  Phase II will include both research and implementation track activities.  The second phase of the pooled-fund project will continue to build upon and advance the progress made in Phase I by answering technical and practical questions related to DPS and developing tools and guidance for implementing DPS in the field as a best practice for density measurement.

Scope of Work

Detailed Phase II scoping work was conducted with input and review from Phase I participants. A final work plan will be developed based on the priorities indicated by the pooled fund participants during a kickoff meeting and related scoping activities, as well as evolving needs and changes in the state of the technology and industry. However, based on the discussion among the current participants, it is anticipated that the work plan will consist of three tracks: research and development; implementation; and marketing and communication. The research and development track will address outstanding technical and engineering questions: (1) field, lab and simulation research of critical factors to develop best and worst use conditions for DPS; (2) evaluation of improved data collection methods; (3) benefit-cost analysis of DPS compared with other density measurements; (4) development of advanced analysis techniques; and (5) identification of uses of dielectric data without converting to density. A parallel implementation track will continue to address user needs and barriers in these areas: (6) development of training, demonstrations and pilot projects; (7) updating AASHTO specifications and ghost implementation protocols; (8) support of a national pilot project ghost implementations; and (10) development of a DPS certification center. Marketing and communication will include continued support through meetings, webinars, publication of findings and summaries, updates to the DPS website with detailed program content, technical training, implementation training, and technology promotion and marketing. Across all of these tracks and tasks areas, tentative specific subtasks have been scoped but remain open to further definition and revision.  An outline of the proposed tasks can be found here: DPS Workplan - Materials & Road Research - MnDOT (state.mn.us)

Comments

This project is expected to have a minimum participation of at least five agency members with a minimum annual commitment of $25,000 per agency. The study period will be set for four years.  A matching funds waiver to allow for 100% SP&R funding for this study has been requested.

Title File/Link Type Private
Letter of Acceptance - TPF-5(538) Letter of Acceptance - TPF-5(538)LH.pdf Other Public
Title File/Link Type Private
#1610 SPR Match Waiver Memorandum #1610 SPR Match Waiver Memorandum MNDOT.pdf Memorandum Public

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