Subgrade
The performance of a pavement depends on the quality of its subgrade layer. As the foundation for the pavement’s upper layers, the subgrade helps mitigate the detrimental effects of the climate and the stresses generated by traffic. Pavement subgrade services SME’s engineers and field technicians provide include:
- Subgrade material evaluation
- Subgrade investigations
- Specification of subgrade stabilization methods
- Moisture content evaluation
- Compaction testing
- Proof rolling observation
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test
- Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) evaluations
- Dynamic cone penetrometer testing
Aggregate Base
Aggregates are used in granular base and subbase layers below the driving surface in both asphalt and concrete pavement structures. The aggregate base layers serve a variety of purposes, including reducing the stress applied to the subgrade layer and providing drainage for the pavement structure. SME’s team establishes and monitors aggregate quality by performing such tests as gradation analysis, specific gravity, absorption, soundness, freeze-thaw, abrasion, deleterious substances, and acid solubility.
SME’s laboratories are certified and trained in the following testing services:
- Sieve analyses
- Soundness of aggregate
- L.A. abrasion
- Specific gravity of aggregates
- Unit weight of fine or coarse aggregate
- Organic impurities
- Aggregate gradation
- Maximum density of aggregate
- Deleterious pick
- Crushed content
- Shrinkage
Asphalt
SME’s asphalt testing services group evaluates asphalt binders, mixtures and other derivatives geared for use in the construction pavement industry. Our team of engineers and technicians maintain a high level of proficiency through experience, certifications and laboratory accreditations. They are knowledgeable in durability, adaptability to fast track construction, and proper performance of asphalt. Our services include:
- Measurements of asphalt pavement thickness
- Asphalt binder tests
- Testing of asphalt emulsions and cutbacks
- Evaluation of hot mix asphalt
- Testing viscosity of the asphalt
- Testing of aggregates
Concrete
SME provides a full-range of services during concrete pavement projects, including:
- Preparation and review of material specifications
- Review of existing mix design for constructability
- Mix design and production testing
- Inspection of batch plants
- Testing and observation during placement
- Monitoring of specification compliance
Rebar
- Rebar placement reviews for appropriate size, number and placement location
- Detecting rebar locations in hardened concrete
- Specifications review
- Forensic evaluation
Dowel Pull-Out
- Evaluation of dowel misalignment in concrete
- Evaluation of dowel fatigue or debonding
- Determination of types of stresses
- Evaluation of dowel durability and load transfers
- Determination of pull-out forces
Plastic Concrete
- Thickness sampling/testing
- Slump/air content sampling/testing
- Unit weight testing
- Temperature testing
- Compressive/flexural strength testing