Thermal Imaging Cameras Make for a Smooth Ride:

Thermal segregation in asphalt pavements leads to high maintenance costs, frequent repairs and dangerous driving conditions. When hot mix asphalt cools unevenly during transport and compaction, the separation of binder, coarse and fine aggregate can leave weak areas in pavement which may develop into dangerous potholes, ruts and cracks. Thermal imaging is showing civil engineers how to prevent these dangerous anomalies before they occur, keeping roads smooth and drivers safe.

When transporting hot mix asphalt there are many opportunities for segregation to occur, but a thermal imager can monitor temperature changes from beginning of job to end. Instead of waiting for a pavement problem to arise, IR imaging detects it during the construction process, when it is not yet visible to the naked eye. This preventative maintenance can lengthen asphalt service life, lower maintenance costs, and increase the safety of the traveling public.

Courtesy of Bradley J. Putman and Serji N. Amirkhanian, Clemson University, Department of Civil Engineering, in InfraMation 2006 Proceedings

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