Project 1.17: Determining Layer Thickness and Understanding Moisture Related Damage of State-Owned Roads Using GPR and Capturing Such in a GIS-Based Inventory

Determining Layer Thickness and Understanding Moisture Related Damage of State-Owned Roads Using GPR and Capturing Such in a GIS-Based Inventory

Project 1.17

Project Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has a significant inventory of state-owned roads of which layer thickness and moisture related damage is uncertain. Discrete methods of assessment like coring and visual inspection provide limited data and are both time-consuming and costly in terms of traffic control and personnel. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficient use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) at traffic speeds to determine layer thickness and moisture content of rural state-owned roads in the State. This will be accomplished through field studies of roads with both known and unknown compositions in close collaboration between URI and RIDOT researchers. The results will be incorporated into RIDOT’s GIS-based inventory of roads. The ultimate goal of this effort is to establish a system for collecting and viewing pavement layer thickness and moisture related damage
on a network level; information that RIDOT can use to better plan, prioritize and properly allocate funding for pavement related projects.

Principal Investigator

Dr. Christopher D.P. Baxter

Institution:

University of Rhode Island

Project Status

Active

Project Cost

$261,428

Start Date

09/01/2021

Project Type

Base-funded

End Date

03/31/2023

Agency ID

69A3551847101

Sponsors:

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, University Transportation Centers Program, Department of Transportation
University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island Department of Transportation

Implementation of Research Outcomes:

This project is in its initial research phase. Implementation of Research outcomes will be reported upon completion of initial research.

Impacts and Benefits of Implementation:

This project is in its initial research phase. Impacts and benefits of the research will be reported after the implementation phase.

Printable Project Information Sheet

September 2021 Quarterly Progress Report

December 2021 Quarterly Progress Report

March 2022 Quarterly Progress Report

June 2022 Quarterly Progress Report

October 2022 Quarterly Progress Report