How UC Davis Pavement Research Center Leveraged RTDensity™ for High Quality Test Track Performance
- RTDensity Team
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
The UC Davis Pavement Research Center recently partnered on multiple test track projects to evaluate compaction consistency, air‑void control, and construction influence on long‑term pavement performance. In this interview, Jeff Buscheck walks through how the team applied RTDensity™ technology, what insights it enabled, and why density control remains the most critical metric in real‑world paving.
How did you use RTDensity™ on your recent projects?
“The last time we used this product was on our test tracks for the Heavy Vehicle Simulator. We used it on two projects: the Caltrans Balanced Mix Design work product group test track with George Reed Inc., and our North Cold Recycle test track for cold‑in‑place, PDR, FDR, and CCPR materials.”
The RTDensity™ system was deployed across two distinctly different track environments. One focused on balanced mix design and another on cold recycling applications, giving the research team a broad data set to evaluate.
What did the product help you achieve during construction?
“In research, we focus on consistent in‑place air voids because they strongly influence the final product. On the Balanced Mix Design test track, we placed six different mix designs in a two‑day construction period. We needed exact air voids across five laps of paving, two times each.”
Jeff explained that achieving consistent density across multiple designs and rapid construction windows is a challenge without real‑time visibility.
“The first two tenths were a homogeneous mat across four lanes, and we ensured each test section had similar density. On the second day, we placed the surface layer with four different mix designs. The technology helped us maintain similar air voids between plant changes… Verification showed we achieved our target air voids.”
The QC technician and roller operator were able to use the live data to stay aligned with target compaction levels, giving the team a near‑perfect air‑void profile across all sections.
What value did stakeholders see in using this technology?
“Even though the test tracks are small areas, we collect high‑quality data to inform committees and support decision‑making. You showed up, handled the process, and we didn’t have to worry about it.”
Beyond construction support, the biggest benefit emerged during post‑analysis.
“We reviewed historical daily data you collected and verified that construction occurred as expected. This allowed us to confidently publish the report with accurate documentation.”
Having reliable, time-stamped compaction records enabled the research team to validate results and eliminate uncertainties related to construction variability.
How can these findings be applied to paving crews in the field?
“Research centers consistently conclude that in‑place density is the most important metric. Without proper compaction control, even the best mix design will have performance issues.”
Jeff emphasized that agencies and contractors benefit most when they incorporate tools that make density easier to achieve and maintain.
“Tools that help achieve better in‑place density, are easy to use, and are cost‑effective bring major benefits to agencies. Whether the mix design is excellent or not, performance depends heavily on compaction.”
The takeaway: compaction is the core performance driver, and real‑time density tools can be valuable for both QC and agency assurance.
What did your construction time frame look like, and how invasive was the technology?
“We placed six different mix designs and five lifts over a two‑day period. We needed tight sequencing and no additional delays. You came in the day before, the rollers were ready, and there was minimal delay.”
The team was able to integrate RTDensity™ without slowing production or altering workflow.
“You managed the process, which allowed my team to focus on research tasks: instrument placement, thermal imaging tracking, and loose mix collection. Your involvement created essentially no impact on our workflow.”
For a research team with limited field resources, the seamless integration was a significant advantage.
“We hope to use the technology again on future test tracks. It was useful to us and to the industry, and we are excited to see where it goes.”
Modesto-based G4 Technologies is revolutionizing California’s asphalt paving industry with RTDensity™, a smart system that estimates asphalt compaction during construction. Already improving roadway quality throughout the Sacramento area, this technology delivers real-time density data that helps contractors achieve optimal compaction results.
RTDensity™ combines sensors with powerful machine learning to transform your existing equipment. The retrofit hardware measures temperature, location, and vibration patterns, using these inputs to estimate density with remarkable accuracy. This immediate feedback allows crews to make adjustments that significantly improve pavement quality and longevity.
What makes RTDensity™ particularly valuable is its compatibility with any steel drum vibratory roller in your current fleet. No need to purchase new equipment—simply upgrade your existing rollers and start delivering better results immediately.