Pavement Compaction Testing

Atlas Engineering and Technology Group provides expert pavement compaction testing services across Sydney. Ensuring the correct compaction of pavement layers is critical for the longevity, safety, and performance of roads, car parks, and other trafficked areas. Our testing helps clients achieve project specifications, comply with Australian Standards, and avoid costly rework or premature pavement failure.

Why is Pavement Compaction Testing Important?

Proper compaction is fundamental to achieving a durable and stable pavement structure. Insufficient compaction can lead to significant problems and increased lifecycle costs.

Ensuring Durability and Extended Pavement Life

Properly compacted pavement layers can more effectively withstand design traffic loads and environmental stresses. This significantly reduces the likelihood of premature failures such as rutting, cracking, shoving, and deformation, leading to a longer service life for your pavement assets.

Maximising Load-Bearing Capacity

Compaction increases the density of pavement materials (soils, granular materials, and asphalt). This process enhances their shear strength and ability to distribute and support traffic loads without excessive settlement. This is vital for the structural integrity of the entire pavement system.

Minimising Future Maintenance Costs

Investing in thorough compaction testing during construction identifies and rectifies potential issues early. This proactive approach significantly reduces the probability of expensive repairs, rehabilitation work, and associated disruptions down the line.

Meeting Regulatory and Specification Compliance

Our pavement compaction testing ensures that all layers meet the stringent requirements of local Sydney councils, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) specifications, and relevant Australian Standards (e.g., AS 1289, AS 2891). This provides documented evidence of quality control and facilitates project approvals and handovers.

Our Pavement Compaction Testing Services

Atlas Engineering and Technology Group offers a comprehensive suite of pavement compaction testing services for various stages of civil and infrastructure projects. We work closely with contractors, developers, project managers, and asset owners throughout the Greater Sydney region.

Testing Methodologies

We employ a range of NATA-calibrated equipment and standardised methods to provide accurate and reliable results:

  • Nuclear Density Gauge (NDG) Testing: We use state-of-the-art NDGS to rapidly and accurately determine the in-situ density and moisture content of soils and granular pavement materials. This is a widely accepted and efficient method for quality control in earthworks and pavement construction, providing immediate feedback on site.
  • Sand Replacement Method: For certain applications, or as a reference method, we also conduct sand replacement tests (AS 1289.5.3.1 and similar) to determine the in-situ dry density of soils and granular materials.
  • Core Sampling and Laboratory Testing (for Asphalt): For asphaltic concrete layers, we obtain core samples, which are then transported to our NATA-accredited laboratory for testing. This includes determining bulk density and maximum density and calculating air voids to ensure compliance with design specifications.

Materials We Test

Our expertise covers a wide array of pavement construction materials:

  • Subgrade: Natural soils, imported fill, and stabilised materials.
  • Sub-base Materials: Including Dense Graded Base (DGB), Dense Graded Sub-base (DGS), unbound granular materials, and recycled materials.
  • Base Course Materials: Such as DGB20, DGS40, crushed rock, and cement-treated or lime-stabilised materials.
  • Asphaltic Concrete (AC) Layers: Including wearing course, intermediate course, and base course asphalt mixes.

Common Applications

Our pavement compaction testing services are integral to a variety of projects:

  • New road constructions, road widening, and highway upgrades.
  • Residential, commercial, and industrial subdivision pavements.
  • Heavy-duty industrial pavements, hardstands, and container terminals.
  • Airport runways, taxiways, and aprons.
  • Car park construction, extensions, and remediation.
  • Railway formation and capping layers.