Field Evaluation and Application of Intelligent Quality Control Systems

Abstract

During road construction, the accuracy of compaction work is critical for the structural stability and maintenance of the road. Although the plate load test (PLT) is commonly used for quality inspections, it is impractical to test every section due to time and cost constraints. Therefore, simpler testing methods are being extensively developed. This study compared quality inspection results using the commonly used PLT, the relatively simple dynamic cone penetrometer test (DCPT), the lightweight deflectometer (LWD) test, and an intelligent quality control system equipped with accelerometer and global positioning system (GPS) sensors in intelligent compaction (IC) rollers. The results showed a strong correlation between the conventional tests (PLT, DCPT, and LWD) and the values obtained from the intelligent quality control system. The correlation analysis between the intelligent quality control system and PLT, LWDT, and DCPT yielded R-square values of 0.69, 0.91, and 0.95, respectively, indicating significantly high correlations. The implementation of intelligent quality management systems in earthwork construction projects will facilitate a thorough verification of the compaction quality throughout all construction segments, ensuring consistent compaction across the project. By enabling real-time data acquisition and analysis, these systems differ markedly from traditional methods, reducing the frequency and necessity of manual inspections. This approach not only streamlines construction processes, but also enhances operational efficiency. As a result, integrating these intelligent systems is anticipated to significantly increase productivity by optimizing the workflow and resource utilization in earthwork construction.