Integrating Paver-Mounted Thermal Profiling and Dielectric Profiling as Process Control Tools for Asphalt Pavement Construction

In-place density and uniformity are crucial for asphalt pavement performance. Even minor low-density areas can cause distress, despite overall compliance with specifications. Traditional quality-control methods, such as coring and nuclear gauge testing, often fail to capture the variability across the pavement mat. To overcome these limitations, this study explores the combined use of the paver-mounted thermal profiler (PMTP) and the dielectric profiling system (DPS) as continuous process control tools. The data for this research were collected from six national demonstration projects conducted by the Mobile Asphalt Technology Center (MATC), representing a range of climates, mixtures, and paving conditions. The PMTP was used during placement to develop thermal maps of mat temperature, while the DPS was employed after compaction to generate continuous dielectric profiles. Calibration of the DPS using gyratory-compacted specimens showed strong correlations with density ( R ²  = 0.97–0.99), an improvement over calibration based on narrow-banded roadway cores. When validated against roadway cores, the DPS predictions had root mean square errors of 0.6%–1.5%, with mean bias generally within ±1%, and most projects showed moderate to strong correlation ( R ²  = 0.65–0.92). PMTP data indicated thermal anomalies, but temperature alone cannot account for all density variability. Case studies show that combining PMTP, DPS, and a few core samples can identify localized risk zones and give contractors actionable feedback. Continuous profiling can eliminate low-density areas associated with spot testing, enhance quality control, and support specifications that account for both density and uniformity across the mat.