UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 1 Research Projects

Project No.: CY1-UTEP-01
Title: Use of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) For Structural Health Monitoring of Asphalt Pavements
Performing Institution: The University of Texas at El Paso
Principal Investigator: Cesar Tirado, The University of Texas at El Paso; Soheil Nazarian, The University of Texas at El Paso
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 10/01/2023-9/30/2024
Abstract: The main objective of this research is to understand and develop tools to use Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology for monitoring the performance of pavement layers under traffic conditions. This technology steps beyond the traditional methods for the characterization of in-situ materials that make use of embedded sensors such as strain gauges, geophones, or accelerometers to obtain point measurements at specific locations by allowing significantly improved spatial coverage and refined resolution for capturing responses of pavement materials under traffic loadings without the need for traffic control. This research project will include laboratory-scale testing of pavement sections including DAS to produce data for analysis and development of a data reduction tool. The applicability of this tool will then be expanded using data collected from large test sections at Turner-Fairbanks Highway Research Center. The results from this study will lead to the development of best practices to implement this innovative technology that will give pavement engineers insight into the pavement condition. Region 6 DOTs can potentially use the outcomes of this technology for more effective asset management. The output of this project will include a comprehensive report documenting the best practices in data collection and reduction, ease of use and limitations of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, and practical recommendations to facilitate its implementation. The developed tools are expected to effectively reduce and visualize the DAS data and help facilitate determining pavement conditions. The findings of this study are expected to lead to the development of best practices for providing pavement engineers insight into pavement performance, distress, and deterioration.
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