DOTD conducted a demonstration

project to evaluate intelligent compaction (IC). The

project developed specifications, which allo

wed and incorporated

the IC rollers on the

project. The specification went through th

e competitive bidding process and produced a

wide range of cost numbers. The item for the

soil roller had a range of

bids from $15,000 to

$95,000. The item for the asphalt roller ha

d a range in bids from $7,000 to $100,000. The

range may be attributed to the lack of knowle

dge and familiarity within Louisiana regarding

the intelligent compaction technology. This proj

ect sought to increase the knowledge base of

IC in Louisiana.

DOTD/LTRC hosted a showcase on the pilot pr

oject, which provided

presentations from

researchers, FHWA, and manufacturers. Th

e showcase highlighted the US 90 Frontage

Roads project, which collected both soil and as

phalt data with two different rollers. The

project was well attende

d and well received.

Manufacturer equipment and software training/su

pport are critical to th

e success of an IC

project, which includes good co

mmunication throughout. In this

case, the contractor had

relationships with each roller ma

nufacturer, and LTRC was able to

interact with roller and

manufacturer. Initial setup of

roller and GPS connections was a challenge with both project

rollers, as LTRC local roller representatives a

nd the contractor were

generally learning about

the details of the technology for the first time.

National roller represen

tatives were helpful,

but could not be on site at all times. The cont

ractor’s survey staff became proficient in the

two systems; and needed GPS knowledge; capable

, accurate, and reliable GPS equipment; as

well as the ability to connect properly and effect

ively with the rollers’

on-board software.

The contractor can realize some

advantages through the utilizati

on of the rollers. Operators

can adjust patterns and time based on real-time

reactions/display, and the roller display can

show and track coverage, passes, and comp

action effort (measurement values) hopefully

speeding production and assis

ting with quality control. Weak

areas can be visually identified

on the roller’s real-time screen through installed software for rework.

Through the use of the IC technology, by the co

ntractor, the Departme

nt can also realize

some advantages. The rollers continuous covera

ge records (vs. point

tests at roughly 1000-ft.

spacing) can speed construction

with contractor’s use (appr

opriate passes/energy). The

technology promotes consistent and uniform paveme

nt layers, which can be visually verified

by the roller real-time screen.