Research Activities: 2003

GPR Study of Imbedded Dowel Bars, Van Buren, Missouri

 
 

Status

Complete

View Report:

PDF 
 

Sequential Number

R104
 

Matching Research Agency

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)
 

Principal Investigator

Neil Anderson
Professor
University of Missouri-Rolla
Department of Geology and Geophysics
125 McNutt Hall
Rolla, MO 65409-0710
p(573) 341-4852
f(573) 341-6935
nanders@mst.edu
 

Student Involvement

One graduate student
 

Project Objective

Use GPR tool to determine positioning of automatically inserted dowel bars
 

Project Abstract

Objective: The intent is to determine the orientation, depth and spacing of imbedded dowel bars at specified joint locations along a newly paved segment of US 60, near Van Buren, Missouri. (Preliminary construction plans call for the symmetric emplacement of 18" dowel bars, at 15" centers and 6" depth.)

Work Plan: UMR geophysics crew will acquire 3 parallel GPR (ground penetrating radar) profiles at each of 20 specified joints along the two-lane, test section of US 60. Data will be acquired during the course of five separate site visits. These GPR data will be acquired using a 1500 monostatic mega Hz antenna. Trace spacing along each profile will be 1/4 inch (or less). Profile spacing will be 9".

Deliverables: UMR will provide MoDOT with a comprehensive report (hard copy and electronic format). The report will consist of an overview of the methodology employed (including theory, acquisition, processing and interpretation), plan view maps of each joint showing the relative location and spacing of dowel bars (relative to joints and edge of pavement), and a suite of cross-sections showing the depth to dowel bars along each acquired GPR profile. Results will be compiled in tabular form and summarized. (We understand this report will be peer-reviewed prior to publication by MoDOT Research.)

 

Anticipated Benefits

Funding, publication, analysis of tool/technique
 

Modal Orientation

Pavement assessment
 

Milestones

Project Start Date:May 15, 2002
Project End Date:May 14, 2004
 

Relationship to other Research/Projects

Consistent with other geophysical studies for MoDOT
 

Technology Transfer Activities

Study to be published by MoDOT Research. Will be submitted to Geophysics 2003.
 

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Pavement, GPR, dowel bars