Infrasense Achieves Comprehensive Traffic Data Analysis in Mississippi's Roads

Infrasense Completes TSD and GPR Analyses in Mississippi

Infrastrucuture maintenance and evaluation are vital for ensuring the longevity and safety of roadways. Recently, Infrasense, a pioneering engineering firm, conducted a thorough analysis across approximately 200 lane-miles using traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) and 3D ground penetrating radar (3DGPR) data. This endeavor was commissioned by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to assess the structural health of roads statewide.

Overview of the Project

The project involved collecting and evaluating TSD data alongside 3DGPR data at various locations throughout Mississippi. The goal was to merge these two forms of data to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the pavement structure, calculate important metrics such as the pavement layer moduli, determine the remaining service life, and provide recommendations for necessary asphalt overlay thickness.

Infrasense utilized advanced data collection techniques to gather detailed insights on road conditions. The evaluations identified several critical segments that required immediate attention, ensuring that scarce resources could be directed to areas with the most significant need. Five specific project sections, each about five miles long, were highlighted for further analysis.

Data Collection and Analysis

The analysis process commenced with extracting and pre-processing 3DGPR data. With 25 channels spaced just three inches apart, the data aimed to capture detailed features beneath the pavement surface. A crucial part of the process involved tracking layer boundaries to accurately report layer thickness at predetermined locations based on TSD GPS coordinates. This 3DGPR analysis offered a wide coverage of six feet from wheel path to wheel path, crucial for identifying issues such as high moisture levels in the base layer or potential asphalt stripping.

Meanwhile, the TSD data was leveraged to assess key factors such as subgrade modulus and effective structural number, while also estimating equivalent single axle loads (ESALS) and the expected lifecycle of the pavement. Together, these measures helped determine the condition of existing layers and the need for potential rehabilitations.

Findings and Recommendations

With the completion of the analyses, Infrasense identified various anomalies, including weak pavement layers and soft subgrades, which could compromise road safety and functionality. The comprehensive evaluations led to actionable recommendations, such as base repairs, asphalt layer patching, and overlays—all crucial for preserving the integrity of Mississippi's roads.

This project exemplifies the commitment to enhancing infrastructure through the innovative application of technology. Prioritizing data-driven evaluations allows agencies like MDOT to make informed decisions, reinforcing their ability to manage and extend the life of critical roadway assets effectively.

About Infrasense, Inc.

Established in 1987, Infrasense has been at the forefront of employing advanced technologies to tackle complex subterranean challenges. The firm specializes in nondestructively extracting vital information from various structures, providing comprehensive materials evaluation services to clients nationwide. To learn more, visit Infrasense's website.