Applications of Infrared Cameras in the Paving Industry

One of the most common and costly problems in the paving industry is segregation of hot mix asphalt (HMA). This problem can occur for many reasons (e.g., improper truck loading) and at many locations (e.g., hopper of the paver) in the construction process. In recent years, temperature segregation has been identified as one of the most important concepts concerning segregation. Therefore, it is necessary to find a tool that will identify temperature segregation immediately during the construction process, so that the problem can be rectified. An infrared camera is one of the tools that have been recognized to be effective in identifying temperature segregation. By using an infrared camera, pictures of HMA can be taken throughout the construction process, including the HMA at load out, in the truck during transport, in the truck prior to dumping, in the paver hopper, behind the screed prior to compaction, and after compaction. Analyzing the gathered data might help in identifying areas of differential temperature during the construction process.