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Pavement Evaluation
“Dedicated to the design of roads, highways, and airports. Feasibility studies, planning, design, supervision, and construction evaluations”
Laser profilometer for IRI, rutting, and macrotexture
For high-performance evaluation of surface irregularity (IRI), we use laser profilometers. Each of these devices measures the elevation profile and displays the IRI in real-time every 100m, while recording the IRI in files every 5m and every 100m.
We measure:
- IRI
- Rutting / Step-off
- Macrotexture
- Geometry (gradients, curvatures)
Friction Meter
For measuring the coefficient of friction (also called skid resistance), at 3ipe we use continuous measurement equipment, the “Traction Watcher One” (TWO). The technology of the TWO meter is very similar to the GripTester because the measuring wheel is partially locked and arranged longitudinally. However, it has higher repeatability because it is not towed but directly supported on the vehicle. It is a device manufactured in Norway by the Olsense company, approved by the FAA for airports, and used on roads in Europe, Canada, and other countries.
We also have a punctual measurement device called the “British Pendulum,” used in areas that are inaccessible by vehicle or where traffic moves at very low speeds.
We offer:
- Continuous measurement equipment T.W.O (Traction Watcher One)
- Punctual measurement equipment British Pendulum
- We perform measurements on both airport pavements and roads, nationally and internationally
HWD and LWD Deflectometer
We have extensive experience in the analysis and interpretation of deflectometry tests. The LWD devices are manufactured by 3ipe and are typically used to evaluate lower layers during construction. The HWD is capable of testing with load levels suitable for airports and port infrastructure, as well as all types of roads. We also calibrate HWD, FWD, and LWD.
We work with:
- Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD)
- Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD)
- Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD)
Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD)
It is a portable device primarily used to measure the in-situ base and subgrade moduli during construction. Measurements with this equipment are faster than the isotope measurement method and do not require reference measurements. The equipment contains no radioactive sources and can be operated by a single person, allowing data analysis and report generation directly on-site.
Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD)
It applies higher loads (typically between 300 kN and 600 kN), primarily used to assess airport pavements. The tests are not designed to measure the strength of the structure but to determine the properties of the materials used in the construction.
Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD)
It allows analyzing the physical characteristics of the pavement in highways, local roads, airports, and other spaces. It is used to estimate the structural strength of the pavement, optimize overlay design, or identify if the pavement is subjected to excessive loading.
Response-Type Roughness (IRI Class 3)
For unpaved roads, as an alternative to the laser profilometer, we offer the Rooga system, which, by combining an odometer with GPS and one or two accelerometers (two if measuring each wheel track is required), allows determining the Class 3 roughness of the roads according to the World Bank classification or “response-type roughness”.
Retroreflectivity
We have the MIROLUX PLUS horizontal retroreflectometer, used to determine the retroreflectance of road markings. It verifies the visibility of road markings under low-light conditions, complying with international road safety standards.
Equipment for Measuring Traffic Noise Levels (OBSI)
We conduct measurements at the roadside and also at the wheel of vehicles. Roadside measurements are used from the perspective of noise pollution, as required by the Ministry of the Environment, and include all emission sources. Wheel measurements are used in pavement engineering to control noise levels at the source, which, at speeds over 30 or 35 km/h, is the wheel-pavement interface.
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) for Thickness Determination
We use high-frequency, “mono-static shielded” antennas. The antenna is mounted with either a tiltable or fixed bracket, allowing it to be suspended above the pavement layer. Measurements are conducted at regular driving speeds to avoid dependency on external security vehicles.
We perform measurements on:
- Roadway and Airport Pavements to determine the thickness of pavement and granular layers
- Concrete Structure Foundations such as walls and slabs, to assess the structural condition of elements by detecting reinforcements, voids, and discontinuities
Drones for Aerial Imaging and Surveys
We provide drone services for roadway and airport inspection, as well as for the construction, mining, and energy industries. Working with experts allows us to quickly obtain permits, meet regulatory requirements, and expedite workflow. The drones capture aerial images and assist in collecting data for terrestrial surveys, providing geo-tagged maps, elevation profiles, and 3D models.