New England Geophysical

Road and Concrete Assessment

This road deterioration turned out to be a question of Liability

High Moisture content in roadbeds and asphalt is a common
problem for Town and City Highway Departments. This is especially true in
New England where excess water may cause pavement failures in roads during freeze/thaw cycles.

The most commonly used method to measure moisture levels in
roadbeds is in the taking of asphalt and soil samples from within the road.
Unfortunately this results in unwanted damage to the road but it is also a
non-continuous sampling method.

Ground penetrating radar offers an alternate, non-destructive,
and continuous method. Measuring the dielectric value of the pavement, GPR measurements
can determine the water content and overall condition at depth. The dielectric value
of pavement is usually about 5.0-6.0. If the dielectric value is increasing, then the pavement
is absorbing water. If decreasing values are measured, the condition is worsening and
the pavement may already be in deteriorating condition.

Concrete Assessment

Radar scan in concrete. Arrow points to break in wire mesh causing concrete to fracture.