Advanced Pavement Analysis: Utilizing Nested Piezometers for Damage Detection
Team FTG was called to address a critical highway issue where a section of roadway showed substantial deformation during and after major storm events. It was suspected that water pressure buildup beneath the pavement was causing temporary heaving. To address this, FTG implemented a comprehensive geotechnical instrumentation program designed to both monitor and mitigate the problem.
Innovative Monitoring Solutions
FTG installed vibrating wire piezometers and Roadway Monitoring Prisms (RMP) to achieve two key objectives:
- Early Warning System: Detect potential pavement heave and water ponding in real-time.
- Cause and Extent Analysis: Gather data to determine the root cause and extent of the problem, facilitating effective remediation.
Strategic Instrumentation Deployment
The project involved drilling nested piezometers at six strategic locations where deformation had been previously observed. Each site was equipped with 2-3 Rite-Geosystems vibrating wire piezometers at variable depths, tailored to the subsurface soil profile. These instruments helped pinpoint the exact zones where water was infiltrating and accumulating pressure beneath the pavement.
FTG also installed 37 Roadway Monitoring Prisms (RMPs) directly on the road surface to measure deformation linked to water pressure buildup. These RMPs were continuously monitored using an Automated Total Station (ATS), which collected data on a set schedule and uploaded it to an online database for real-time analysis by FTG’s engineers. The automated reporting system allowed contractors to promptly address problem areas, reducing the risk of dangerous conditions during significant storm events.
Timely and Effective Remediation
Data gathered from the monitoring program revealed that water was infiltrating laterally just below the road surface, rather than from deeper soil layers. This insight identified multiple drainage pathways that were allowing stormwater to collect under the pavement. Immediate remediation involved drilling relief holes in the pavement to reduce pressure, while longer-term solutions involved evaluating and improving the existing underdrain system.
The efficient and proactive approach enabled swift mitigation measures and guided the design of permanent drainage improvements. Continued monitoring post-remediation showed no signs of excessive pressure buildup or roadway deformation during subsequent major storm events.
By leveraging advanced geotechnical instrumentation and real-time data analysis, Team FTG not only ensured road safety but also delivered a cost-effective and timely resolution to a complex problem. Our expertise in geotechnical monitoring proved essential in delivering a comprehensive solution that protected both infrastructure and public safety.
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