Application of Non-destructive testing methods for asphalt pavement density measurement on the Mai Son–NH45 expressway segment, Vietnam

In the last few years, the development of expressways in Vietnam has been rapid. Asphalt concrete (AC) is the most widely used material for expressway pavement due to its widespread availability and favorable characteristics. The quality of pavement not only influences traffic safety but also impacts the longevity of the expressway. Therefore, quality control (QC) as well as quality assurance (QA) of AC pavement are crucial during construction. In-situ density, which indicates the degree of compaction, must be quickly and accurately predicted for effective QC and QA. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods offer rapid, accurate, and extensive density measurements. However, NDT has not been widely adopted in Vietnam, leading to doubts among users regarding their operational principles, accuracy of predictions, and reliability. This paper reviews global practices in NDT methods for measuring AC density, offering an in-depth analysis of current techniques and highlighting their strengths, limitations, and relevance to road construction QC. Additionally, it explores the application of NDT equipment, specifically the PaveTracker 2701, on the Mai Son – NH45 expressway, proposing its potential for broader use in Vietnam.