Testing Air Voids in Interstate Pavement

Kansas Leads the Way in Addressing Pavement Distresses

IInterstate highway pavements are under constant stress due to weather conditions and the volume and weight of traffic. To address crumbling (spalling) occurring on the edges of the joints that run down the center of the pavement, KDOT began using technology that makes it easier and faster to test for uniform air voids in concrete. Concrete is more durable and resistant to freeze-thaw cycles in Kansas when it includes air voids uniformly distributed throughout the concrete.

The Air Void Analyzer tests concrete mixtures before paving begins and provides rapid (30 minutes) verification at the construction site so the concrete mix can be changed if needed.

Developed in Denmark, Kansas was the first state to use this method and this work has been nationally recognized. Kansas was selected to lead the national effort to promote this new technology in the United States.