What is Intelligent Compaction?

  • Roller mounted real-time compaction monitoring for soils and asphalt layers
  • Measures compaction uniformity
  • Links pavement design (modulus), roller compaction (stiffness / modulus indication) and testing (field and laboratory)

Intelligent Compaction TxDOT-demoIntelligent Compaction (IC) refers to the compaction of pavement materials, such as soils, aggregate bases, or asphalt, using modern vibratory rollers equipped with an integrated measurement system, an onboard computer reporting system, Global Positioning System (GPS) based mapping, and optional feedback control.

IC rollers maintain a continuous record of colour-coded plots, allowing the user to view plots of the precise location of the roller, the number of roller passes, and material stiffness measurements.

IC helps attain high compaction quality and uniformity and provides a direct link between pavement design parameters (modulus), roller compaction (stiffness / modulus indication) and testing (field and laboratory).

At a high level, IC systems, well implemented, can lead to:

  • Enabling continuous placement of material with confidence (without waiting for traditional test results)
  • Reducing the risk of rework
  • Increased compaction uniformity
  • Lower construction costs through cost savings
  • Better documentation & pavement management
  • Construction verification of design values

Using Intelligent Compaction in combination with the PANDA Instrumented DCP and Light Weight Deflectometer, there is potential to increase layer lift thicknesses with confidence. This is a construction game changer. 

For the most comprehensive global resources about Intelligent Compaction, check out Intelligent Construction. In Europe and China, Intelligent Compaction is know as Continuous Compaction Control (CCC).

If you work with, for example, a contractor, government agency or consultant and you are looking for Intelligent Compaction Implementation Advice and Support, we can help.

Compaction is one of the most important processes in pavement construction and, done well, leads to long-lasting pavement performance and reduced maintenance costs. Current procedures using conventional compaction machines often result in inadequate and/or non-uniform material compaction, which can be one of the major factors in premature pavement failure. IC helps users overcome this issue by optimising the compaction process.