DIG DEEPER WITH CORING
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM CORING PAVEMENTS
What secrets are hiding beneath your pavement's surface?
There is only so much you can tell about a pavement from the surface. Evaluating a pavement below the surface is important because the visible surface of the pavement often does not provide a complete picture of its overall condition. By examining the underlying layers of the pavement, our engineers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of its composition and structure, and identify potential issues that may not be visible from the surface.
What is pavement coring?
Pavement coring is a method used to study the quality of pavements and gain insight to what lies beneath the surface. It involves taking small cylindrical samples, called cores, from the pavement to check its composition, strength, and thickness. The information gathered from these cores helps determine the condition of the pavement and plan for any necessary repairs or upgrades. This process is done with a special drilling machine and is quick and non-invasive, making it a useful tool for those who maintain and improve pavements.
What are some of the key factors that can only be determined by analyzing a pavement core?
The composition of the pavement material is critical in determining the overall performance and durability of the pavement over time. The core sample reveals the type and proportion of materials used in the pavement, such as asphalt, concrete, or various types of aggregates. This information can help determine the quality and stability of the pavement, and can inform decisions about future maintenance and rehabilitation activities.
The density and strength of the pavement material are critical factors in determining the overall performance and longevity of the pavement. The density of the pavement material can influence its ability to withstand heavy traffic and inclement weather conditions, while the strength can determine the pavement’s resistance to cracking, rutting, and other forms of distress. By analyzing a core sample, our engineers can accurately measure the density and strength of the pavement material, helping them to identify areas of the pavement that may require additional support or repair.
The thickness of the pavement layer is an important factor in determining the overall structural integrity of the pavement. A core sample allows our engineers to measure the thickness of the pavement layer, helping them to ensure that the pavement meets design standards and is adequately constructed to support the weight of vehicles and other loads.
Consistency and uniformity of the pavement material can be critical in ensuring the longevity and performance of the pavement. The core sample can reveal any variations or inconsistencies in the pavement material that may not be visible on the surface, such as changes in aggregate size, asphalt content, or other factors. By identifying these areas, our engineers can make informed decisions about additional repairs or reinforcement that may be necessary to ensure the long-term performance and durability of the pavement.
Pavement coring is a valuable tool
The information obtained from a core sample helps our engineers make informed decisions about the condition and future of pavements, ensuring their longevity and performance over time. It is a valuable tool for evaluating the quality and condition of pavements, and is one of the many ways we assess pavements in order to provide optimized pavement management solutions for our clients.
Learn more about our pavement management program here: