IndexAbstractIntroductionImportance of CompactionMechanics of Intelligent Compaction ControlTypes of Measuring DevicesAnalysis of Intelligent Compaction ControlRecommendations for More Effective ImplementationIntelligent Compaction Control Used as QC/QAConclusionAbstractThis document provides an overview of traditional compaction techniques used on highway construction projects. Intelligent Compaction Control (ICC) is then introduced, a newer technology that uses equipment-mounted devices to measure relative compaction in the base and surface courses during highway construction. The main types of ICC and associated equipment are then discussed, along with how they can be used in construction projects in terms of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) processes. Finally, it uses a case study to discuss the significance and lessons learned about how ICC can be implemented on additional construction projects. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Introduction Intelligent Compact Control [ICC] is a fairly new and upcoming method used for compacting the base and surface layers of flexible pavements. In short, it can be defined as a process that equips conventional rotating equipment with tools used to monitor and control the material compaction process. The equipped tools provide operators with graphical information, which in turn allows them to better manage their operations. This promotes a more efficiently obtained and evenly compacted surface, ensuring a longer and more successful operational life. The ICC can also be configured with data logging devices that will spatially follow the compaction operations (Si 2014). This can provide the management agency/owner with documentation of the operation and can also be used as a means of material acceptance. According to the Federal Highway Administration [FHWA], ICC was originally started in Europe in the 1980s and was intended for subbase compaction. However, it began to extend to flexible pavement compaction in the 1990s, when the value of the product was further realized. The ICC arrived in the United States in the early 2000s, but even today it is still slow to be adapted by state and local governments (Nieves-Torres [FHWA] 2014). However, entities such as FHWA and some state DOTs are promoting the widespread use of this technology as the benefits begin to be realized as abundant. Importance of Compaction It's no secret that sufficient compaction produces much better pavement performance over its service life. This is a fundamental aspect of pavement engineering, yet compaction for road construction has remained fairly constant throughout the 20th century, with minor technological advances. That said, the importance of compaction has been understood for a long time. As early as 1939, JT Pauls and JF Goode wrote in Public Roads: “The importance of compaction in highway construction has long been recognized. Recent laboratory and field investigations have repeatedly highlighted the value of thorough consolidation in both base and surface layers. ”In particular, in flexible pavements, insufficient compaction can lead to a decrease in rigidity andresistence. This includes lower tensile strength, lower static and resilient modulus, and lower stability because there is a higher void content. Additionally, insufficient compaction can lead to reduced fatigue life, accelerated aging, decreased durability, fraying, rutting, and moisture damage (MST 2017; Pavement Interactive n.d.). In short, uniform compaction is ideal for minimizing long-term settlement. High-quality compaction ensures long-lasting performance of the base and flexible wearing layers. There are several methods for traditional measurement of compaction, including instruments such as a nuclear density meter, a penetrometer, a deflectometer, and applying a load to the plate. However, the biggest problem with these measurements is that they are point measurements, meaning they measure the relative compaction of only that point. According to Caterpillar, in a typical road construction project, less than 1% of the surface is actually subjected to compaction testing. This poses a major problem if uniform compaction is the ultimate goal, as it is difficult to achieve uniform compaction between different point measurements (SCAPA 2013). Furthermore, this is one of the major advantages of ICC since it continuously measures relative compaction instead of measuring at variable points. Mechanics of Intelligent Compaction Control There are many different types of ICC systems, but the most common goal is to equip smooth-drum vibratory compactors with instrumentation devices to measure the “relative stiffness” of the material they are compacting. A common system, as shown in Figure 1, includes an in-cab display panel, a GPS antenna, and a measuring device located inside the rotating drum (SCAPA 2013). Figure 1. Typical ICC System Components While there are several variations of ICC systems, this is the most common system and is produced/promoted by various roller manufacturers. Thanks to the display panel in the roller cab, operators are able to make real-time decisions to ensure uniform compaction. More sophisticated ICC systems include those that collect stiffness measurements, analyze the data, make adjustments to compaction controls via vibratory roller parameters, and then automatically make the adjustment to optimize compaction effort (Nieves-Torres [FHWA] 2017 ). This type of system that automatically makes changes is still being refined, and current ICC systems rely on operator changes to achieve uniform relative compaction. Types of measuring devices As mentioned above, ICC is mainly based on measurements made with vibrating rollers. However, there are two types of measuring devices that need to be taken into consideration. The first measurement device is called Compaction Meter Value [CMV], where an accelerometer is placed inside the rotating drum. This device sends waves into the ground and is then able to measure the “stiffness” of what lies beneath using the response frequency (SCAPA 2013). A diagram showing how the CMV device works is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2. Compaction Meter Value (CMV) Measuring Device The CMV measuring device can accurately measure stiffness between 3 and 6 feet deep. However, this type of system can only be used on granular base courses or flexible pavements and only needs to be equipped with a vibrating smooth drum roller (SCAPA 2013). Many manufacturers produce this type of system and it can be considered the most common type of ICC today. The other type of equipment is called ICCMDP (Machine Drive Power) device in which the rolling resistance of the compaction medium is measured and therefore the "stiffness" from which it is measured. Unlike the CMV method, this is an energy-based method and Caterpillar is currently the only manufacturer to produce and market this type of ICC measurement device. MDP devices accurately measure stiffness between 1 and 2 feet and can be equipped with smooth drum or ram foot rollers. According to Caterpillar, this type of system is much more versatile as it can be applied to both granular and cohesive base/soil types, as well as flexible pavements. Caterpillar also states that this type of system is the best ICC system because it measures closer to the depth of the lift being worked on and correlates better than a CMV system with portable measuring devices, such as a nuclear density meter (SCAPA 2013 ).Intelligent Compaction Control Analysis Using the ICC method offers many advantages, but the most important is that it provides a more uniform and compact surface. This counteracts the biggest disadvantage of traditional methods of measuring compaction, which is that they are unique to measuring at that single point. Instead, the ICC continuously monitors the relative compact levels and will therefore provide a better final product. With ICC, compaction efforts can be more targeted and efficient. Additionally, if ICC is used before flexible flooring is laid, areas of poor subgrade quality can be identified and addressed before flooring is laid. Another advantage of ICC includes its ability to map compaction operations. This information can be loaded into a Geographic Information System [GIS] mapping system. This will then allow the maintaining agency to have a record of the effort and this is also being tested as a means of material acceptance. With GIS information, agencies can get an idea of ​​potential areas of poor quality that will emerge in the future and plan how to address them. As with any new technology, there are drawbacks and hesitations associated with it. The biggest disadvantage of ICC includes both industry and owner's lack of familiarity with the technology. According to FHWA, more than 30 states have implemented at least some sort of ICC testing, with Texas and Minnesota being the front-line leaders in ICC implementation. Other drawbacks of ICC include difficulty in developing appropriate specifications by agencies, increased initial expenses for new equipment and to upgrade existing equipment, and large training efforts required to become familiar with operators, contractors, and owning agencies. Recommendations for More Effective Implementation Since FHWA can be considered one of the leaders in promoting ICC implementation, they have developed guidance to help state and local agencies implement the technology and develop appropriate specifications. According to FHWA, the most important element to using the ICC appropriately is to increase communication between agencies and industries so they can collaborate and develop a fair and reasonable standard. Additionally, they say that greater familiarity with personnel and equipment will be needed, that automated GPS validation systems will be implemented, and that ICMV roller technology will be further developed so that it can perhaps be used as an acceptance matrix. Additionally, the Association of American State and Highway Transportation Officials [AASHTO] has developed a set of recommendations for the use of ICC, with slight variations to the FHWA system, including such elements as tolerance of.