Abstract: Various embodiments include solutions for in-process material characterization. Various particular embodiments include a computer-implemented method including: providing instructions for transmitting oscillating electromagnetic field signals to a material under test (MUT); obtaining a return signal associated with the transmitted oscillating electromagnetic field signals; comparing the return signal with the oscillating electromagnetic field signals to determine a difference in an aspect of the return signal and the aspect of the oscillating electromagnetic field signals; comparing the difference in the aspect to a predetermined threshold; and determining a characteristic of the MUT based upon the compared difference.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for determining the in-place engineering properties such as density and moisture content of many varieties of engineering materials, are disclosed. The invention also includes a database, material model and sensor model for use with the above-described aspects. In one embodiment, the invention determines a compaction indication of the material based on an effect of impedance characteristics of the material on an electrical field, and corrects the compaction indication for at least one of a sensor depth-sensitivity inaccuracy and a compaction process inaccuracy. The compaction indication is determined based on a material model, and the corrections are based on mathematical and empirical models of the compaction process and the sensor.

Abstract: A pavement ramp edge maker, paving machine and related method are provided for generating a pavement edge ramp that is equal to or less than approximately 45° relative to a surface upon which the ramp is formed. The edge maker generates a ramp that is partially compacted using a compaction member that is independently vertically movable against a bias during operation. When the pavement mat is compacted, the resulting ramp has an angle that is equal to or less than approximately 45° relative to a surface upon which the ramp is formed.

Abstract: A pavement ramp edge maker, paving machine and related method are provided for generating a pavement edge ramp that is equal to or less than approximately 45° relative to a surface upon which the ramp is formed. The edge maker generates a ramp that is partially compacted using a compaction surface that extends upwardly from a bottom edge of an end gate of a paving machine. When the pavement mat is compacted, the resulting ramp has an angle that is equal to or less than approximately 45° relative to a surface upon which the ramp is formed.

Abstract: A member, screed and method for realigning material and compacting. A material realigning member is provided including structure for moving at least a first portion of a depth of a quantity of material laterally from an initial position thereof and then at least a second portion of the depth of the quantity of material back towards the initial position. In this fashion, aggregate particles may be moved in three horizontal directions, e.g., a direction of travel by a roller waveform, and both lateral directions by the invention, to realign material and allow for improved compaction.

Abstract: A paving material analyzer system is disclosed that uses paving material impedance to determine paving material density. The invention also includes methods for analyzing paving material, in particular, determining paving material density. The paving material density can also be used to determine a percentage of maximum compaction. A paving material analyzer system is also disclosed that determines paving material density regardless of moisture presence on the paving material or a standoff distance of a sensor to the paving material. Sensor circuits providing for improved accuracy are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor for a paving material analyzer is disclosed including means for allowing moving, non-dragging contact of an operative component with the paving material. A paving material analyzer system incorporating the sensor is also disclosed. The invention also includes a method for analyzing paving material.

Abstract: A paving material analyzer system is disclosed that uses paving material impedance to determine paving material density. The invention also includes methods for analyzing paving material, in particular, determining paving material density. The paving material density can also be used to determine a percentage of maximum compaction. A paving material analyzer system is also disclosed that determines paving material density regardless of moisture presence on the paving material or a standoff distance of a sensor to the paving material. Sensor circuits providing for improved accuracy are also provided.

Abstract: A paving material analyzer system is disclosed that uses paving material impedance to determine paving material density. The invention also includes a method for analyzing paving material, in particular, determining paving material density. The paving material density can also be used to determine a percentage of maximum compaction. A paving material analyzer is also disclosed that determines paving material density regardless of moisture presence on the paving material.

Abstract: A paving machine and edger providing precompaction, horizontal shear compaction and primary compaction of a paving material. The edger includes a plurality of adjustment apparatus for vertical and angular adjustment. A plurality of height indicators are provided for measuring the vertical position of the compaction surfaces of the edger. A wedge extender is removably attached to the edger. The edger is capable of creating a stepped tapered ramp having a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of the tapered portion.

Abstract: A pavement joint and joint making process are provided. A pavement edger used to make the joint is capable of creating a stepped tapered ramp having a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of the tapered portion. The resulting ramp allows for safety during pavement laying work stoppage and creation of solid pavement joints.

Abstract: A paving machine and pavement edger therefor are provided. The pavement edger is capable of creating a stepped tapered ramp having a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of the tapered portion. The resulting ramp allows for safety during pavement laying work stoppage and creation of solid pavement joints.

Abstract: A pavement ramp and ramp making process are provided. The ramp has a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of a tapered portion. The resulting ramp allows for safety during pavement laying work stoppage and creation of solid pavement joints.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to paving equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a paving material density indicator which has a selectively shaped sensor to control at least one of the depth, area, sensitivity and shape of a density determination. The effect on sensor capacitance is measured using a constant current source and is used to determine density of the paving material. The invention is also a method for determining density of paving material and a set of sensors for density determination.