Skip to main content

Road and runway repair success

Fugro Aperio says it is improving the quality of road and airport runway repair techniques using its sophisticated ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology. The firm is now able to offer a combination of real time kinematic (RTK) GPS with multi channel radar systems due to partnerships with Yotta in the UK, and Pavement Management Services in Australia and the Middle East. This sophisticated package enables pre-planning of surveys, quicker execution and better positioning for more precise mapping of defect
July 2, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
2929 Fugro Aperio says it is improving the quality of road and airport runway repair techniques using its sophisticated ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology. The firm is now able to offer a combination of real time kinematic (RTK) GPS with multi channel radar systems due to partnerships with Yotta in the UK, and Pavement Management Services in Australia and the Middle East. This sophisticated package enables pre-planning of surveys, quicker execution and better positioning for more precise mapping of defects in roads, runways, taxiways and aprons. Such surveys can deliver a combination of surface condition and subsurface structure information to local authorities and consultants. Fugro Aperio says it is able to map delamination between asphalt and concrete layers, as well as voids below concrete pavements, in operational conditions that would have previously precluded such detailed surveys.

With GPR scans relocatable three-dimensionally to ±18mm using RTK, Fugro Aperio says it is able to generate accurate maps of pavement defects such as delamination or debonding. This level of accuracy allows corrective action to be targeted more accurately, cost-effectively and with minimal disruption. Fugro Aperio's application of GPR to identify changes in pavement moisture is helping engineers to detect and remediate the degrading effects of water. Water can reduce sub-grade bearing value, it can lead to sub-grade mud forcing up through slab joints and cracks, and can cause stripping of bitumen from the aggregate, undoing blacktop surfacing over time.

Although common in highways management, asset management principles and tools are new to many airport operators who seek to measure, manage and maintain assets more efficiently. Using surveying disciplines, Fugro Aperio is collecting and integrating bundles of asset data to populate comprehensive, computer based, airfield asset management systems.


For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Trimble’s innovative technology at Conexpo 2014
    January 6, 2017
    The Trimble Quantm alignment planning system allows road designers to reduce planning time and deliver projects with minimal environmental and social impact at a lower construction and operating cost. The system, on show at Conexpo 2014, analyses millions of alignment alternatives and returns a range of options to the planning team for consideration. When new data becomes available the Quantm system can quickly recalculate more alignment options.
  • Trimble’s innovative technology at Conexpo 2014
    January 17, 2014
    The Trimble Quantm alignment planning system allows road designers to reduce planning time and deliver projects with minimal environmental and social impact at a lower construction and operating cost. The system, on show at Conexpo 2014, analyses millions of alignment alternatives and returns a range of options to the planning team for consideration. When new data becomes available the Quantm system can quickly recalculate more alignment options.
  • Invisible detection
    February 6, 2012
    A self-contained, ground penetrating radar system (GPR) is now available from US Radar. The system is said to be technologically-advanced and simple to use, with a touch screen operating system and a variety of antenna frequency options. The Seeker GPR can be used in numerous surface materials such as soil, clay, concrete and brick. It integrates a complete imaging system into a single unit and can be used in application such as underground construction, road and bridge building, structural and civil engine
  • Reduced emissions, costs, with recycled asphalt
    February 21, 2012
    Recycling is a key issue for asphalt road construction, with many technologies now coming to market. Bith an ever increasing emphasis on sustainability forcing change in the construction sector in Europe and North America, the highway sector now has to seek new solutions.