Trimble Announces Ground Penetrating Radar Integration for Real-Time Asphalt Compaction Quality Control

Trimble announced that the Trimble Roadworks paving control platform for asphalt compactors will now integrate with Geophysical Survey Systems (GSSI) highly accurate and rugged ground penetrating radar sensor, PaveScan RS, providing asphalt compaction metrics with every pass. With this announcement, Trimble, and its SITECH dealer network, will serve as a key global aftermarket reseller of GSSI’s density profiling sensors (DPS), allowing broader access to DPS across the paving industry.

The integration of high-speed ground penetrating radar with Trimble Roadworks gives asphalt paving contractors a solution for mapping the dielectric profile — or percentage of air voids — throughout the asphalt compaction process rather than by testing core samples after the completion of a project. This functionality can transform asphalt paving projects by delivering real-time quality control metrics on every pass.* As a result, contractors can accelerate project timelines and optimize resources to help ensure safer, more profitable and more sustainable outcomes for highways agencies.

“Giving asphalt compactor operators the ability to monitor compaction quality as they go can significantly improve compaction workflows,” said Kevin Garcia, general manager of civil specialty solutions at Trimble. “Now, an operator can ensure that the asphalt density is correct before they leave the area, rather than waiting until the job is done and then drilling holes in the asphalt to test the density.”

The ability to monitor quality throughout the project in real time takes the guesswork out of roller patterns and can significantly reduce the likelihood of rework or fines for work that doesn’t meet compaction specifications. The result is construction of longer-lasting, more sustainable roads that require less maintenance. Additionally, by eliminating the need for coring at the end of the project, this solution means improved on-the-job safety for road crews.