Core logging is the best method of determining the structure of a pavement and ascertaining the overall quality of a particular section of pavement. There are indirect ways of looking at the pavement structure. For example, we have Falling Weight Deflectometer’s (FWD) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) devices that give detailed sub-surface structural information. However, these devices must use physical data to be calibrated and verified, which is where the coring comes in.
Pavements around the UK vary greatly, and multiple design methods have been used over the years on the UK road network. The higher the traffic count, the better quality of road design is required and better performing materials used.
So, we can assume that motorways are the best and most expensive systems, and then you have A roads, B roads C roads and finally the housing estates and service roads. PTS receive requests for all these road types to be analysed. So, we have systems and training in place to ensure we are familiar with road design and the types of failure most common in pavement life reduction.
All the information gathered from site and analysed in the laboratory is used to provide clients with detailed and accurate pavement reports. So, care in all aspects of the coring operations is needed in order to produce the highest quality, informative reports.
Coring is initiated upon a client’s request - usually to gather information on a road that has a problem and requires a solution to remedy it. PTS work across the country with the Highways agency running the motorway and A-road system and the Councils/Local Authorities running the rest.
The laboratory has a fully verified core logging procedure to; Documented In-house Method: C14, Issue 7, 12/08/14 based on Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, HMSO, HD 29/08 and the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 SROH (England)/SROR (Scotland) Code of Practice. All core logging measurements are taken in accordance with BS EN 12697-36:2003 Thickness of an Asphalt pavement; 4.1 Destructive measurements.
This process produces a fully informative report to the client including clear photos from site and in the lab. Also included are detailed location plans formed from GPS taken at the time of sampling, descriptions of the cores condition and defects that are seen are all noted in detail. We also offer Utility core logging in line with HAUC and RAUC specifications. We can also apply pass or fail criteria to the samples to state compliance with the New Roads and Street Works Act.
If you have any queries or requests for tests in this field, then contact the lab and we will be happy to help.
