Why is Pavement Testing So Important?

Pavement testing is a foundational step in transportation infrastructure and maintenance. It involves various techniques and methodologies to examine the quality and structural integrity of the pavement, as well as its capacity to withstand traffic loads, environmental factors, and erosion over time. All pavement testing conducted by ASCT in our NATA-accredited laboratories abides by stringent Australian Standards for safety, performance, and longevity.
There are several types of pavement testing that our NATA-accredited laboratories use to assess the condition and functionality of a road surface. These pavement tests help identify any issues in the pavement construction process, allowing for timely rectification.

Why pavement testing is important

Without testing the structural integrity of the pavement, construction teams are taking a significant risk on the longevity and quality of the finished road. While a road or pavement may look safe and structurally sound, its resilience to weather conditions, load-bearing capabilities, and overall longevity are potential safety concerns when not addressed. Pavement testing can identify and mitigate issues related to the structural integrity of the road. Additionally, the foundation upon which the pavement is built must also be assessed and tested. By testing the soil and subgrade conditions, engineers are better able to determine if any improvements or alterations are necessary to support the pavement.

Pavement testing saves time and money

Regular pavement testing throughout the construction process helps identify issues at an early stage, allowing for timely maintenance and repair. Addressing these problems early on will naturally ensure the pavement continues to align with Australian safety standards, and will consequently minimise the need for more extensive repairs or reconstruction further down the line. This can prove to be a far more cost-effective approach, as reconstruction and repairs to pavement can be an expensive project once the pavement reaches a critical point.

Testing for all weather conditions

Extreme weather events can place significant stress on pavement, leading to issues such as potholes, cracks and rutting. These can potentially lead to severe accidents, injuries, and costly maintenance or repairs. To prevent these issues from occurring prematurely, engineers can conduct testing to identify more climate-resilient pavements, more capable of withstanding significant temperature fluctuations, heavy rainfall, and other climatic conditions.
With major weather events commonplace in the Australian climate, pavement testing is more critical than ever to ensure the safety of our roads and footpaths.

Understanding load-bearing capacity

The load-bearing capacity of pavement refers to its ability to support the traffic loads and other applied forces, without compromising its structural integrity. Through pavement testing, engineers are able to accurately access the pavements load-bearing capacity, outlining if any maintenance or reconstruction is necessary.

Ensuring pavement longevity and service life

Resilient pavements have a much longer service life. Proper testing will ensure the pavement materials are designed and suitable for the expected traffic loads and environmental conditions. Durable pavements can withstand heavy traffic, temperature variations, moisture and other stressors, resulting in less frequent pavement rehabilitation or reconstruction.

ASCT works with your construction partners to mitigate delays and provide solutions to material testing and pavement testing issues. This ultimately ensures a construction project is completed on time and on budget, and enjoys a long service life. Bringing certainty to the construction industry for over 30 years, ASCT has an extensive track record of success with primary and pavement testing projects of all shapes and sizes. From residential renovations to large scale infrastructure projects, ASCT has you covered.

As our client, you will know exactly what the site consists of, the suitability and our advice for continuing the project. Get in touch with ASCT and employ the power of certainty to mitigate project risks during construction.

If you’re seeking reliable and compliant soil testing, concrete testing or pavement testing for your construction project, get in touch with ASCT today. All of our testing facilities are NATA-accredited, with locations up and down the east coast of Australia. Test with the best, test with ASCT.