What does pavement core sampling measure?

What does pavement core sampling measure?

• A. Asphalt content and air voids.
• B. Gravel content and compaction.
• C. Moisture content and betas.
• D. Aggregate gradation only.

Answer: (A)

Pavement core sampling is used to determine the in-place asphalt concrete properties, specifically the asphalt binder content and the amount of air voids in the compacted pavement. The core is analyzed to measure how much binder (asphalt) is present by extracting or burning off the asphalt and weighing the remaining aggregate, giving the asphalt content by weight. The air voids are then calculated from the core’s density and its nominal maximum density, revealing how well the pavement was compacted and whether there’s enough void space to accommodate drainage and prevent moisture-related damage. Gravel content and general compaction aren't the primary outputs of this test, moisture content and beta values aren't typical results from pavement core analysis, and while gradation can be inferred from the recovered aggregate, the central purpose of core sampling is to verify asphalt content and air voids.

Pavement core sampling is used to determine the in-place asphalt concrete properties, specifically the asphalt binder content and the amount of air voids in the compacted pavement. The core is analyzed to measure how much binder (asphalt) is present by extracting or burning off the asphalt and weighing the remaining aggregate, giving the asphalt content by weight. The air voids are then calculated from the core’s density and its nominal maximum density, revealing how well the pavement was compacted and whether there’s enough void space to accommodate drainage and prevent moisture-related damage.

Gravel content and general compaction aren't the primary outputs of this test, moisture content and beta values aren't typical results from pavement core analysis, and while gradation can be inferred from the recovered aggregate, the central purpose of core sampling is to verify asphalt content and air voids.