THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

Test Procedure for

THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT

TxDOT Designation: Tex-244-F

Effective Date: July 2023

1. SCOPE
1.1 Use this test method to obtain a thermal profile that identifies the presence of thermal segregation of an
uncompacted mat of hot mix asphalt. This method includes procedures for determining thermal profiles
using:
 a hand-held thermal camera immediately behind the paver during the paving operations, or
 a paver-mounted thermal imaging system.

1.2 The values given in parentheses (if provided) are not standard and may not be exact mathematical
conversions. Use each system of units separately. Combining values from the two systems may result in
nonconformance with the standard.

2. APPARATUS
2.1 Thermal camera.

2.1.1 Hand-held thermal camera, must be capable of:

 measuring from 32°F to 475°F with an accuracy of ± 4.0°F or ± 2.0% of reading, whichever is greater;
 producing an IR image with a minimum resolution of 19,200 pixels;
 displaying the actual, maximum, and minimum temperature using a LCD viewing screen with a minimum
diagonal dimension of 3.0 in.;
 storing a minimum of 500 images and capable of opening images while in operation;
 with a thermal sensitivity less than 0.11°F;
 with measurement modes including centerspot, area box, and auto hot and cold detection; and
 with a variable emissivity from 0.1 to 1.0.

2.1.2 Wooden board, with a length of 2-ft. and a string approximately 8-ft. in length tied to one end.

2.1.3 Spray paint.

2.1.4 Measuring wheel or device, capable of measuring a length of at least 150-ft.

2.1.5 Spotter, a person designated to assist the person conducting the thermal profile when using the thermal
camera.

2.2 Thermal imaging system.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 1 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

2.2.1 Paver-mounted thermal imaging system, must be capable of:

 measuring at a maximum transverse spacing of 12 ± 1 in.;
 using infrared technology to measure from 32°F to 475°F with an accuracy of ± 4.0F or ± 2.0% of
reading, whichever is greater, when the object temperature exceeds 32°F and the ambient temperature
is 73°F ± 9°F;
 with temperature measurement repeatability of ± 0.9°F or ± 0.5% of reading, whichever is greater;
 measuring spots with a maximum size of 10-in. at the installed operating height;
 profiling the entire pavement width, up to at least 12-ft. wide, with provisions to prevent areas within 2-ft.
of the edge of the uncompacted mat from influencing the thermal profile results;
 measuring distance using a Distance Measuring Instrument (DMI) and equipped with a Global
Positioning System (GPS) or other accepted means;
 collecting, displaying, saving, and analyzing temperature readings while in operation, or using the latest
software available;
 determining the low and high temperatures within each profile using the statistical 1 percentile and 98.5
percentile, respectively;
 producing output files of pavement temperatures for each day’s placement and daily summary output
files in an approved test report that identifies locations of thermal segregation with a recording of the
temperature at such locations;
 providing software capable of developing and analyzing thermal profiles for the entire project; and
 providing an operating system with at least one USB port to save test results to a portable USB memory
device, or any other accepted means.

3. PROCEDURE
3.1 Operate the thermal camera or thermal imaging system in conformance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.

3.2 Obtain a new maximum baseline temperature and minimum profile temperature for every thermal profile
measured.

3.3 Record the beginning and ending station numbers of all thermal profiles.
Note 1—Instead of station numbers, use of GPS coordinates or other approved means of identifying the
locations is acceptable.

3.4 Obtain all temperature measurements in units of degrees Fahrenheit.

3.5 Obtain all temperature measurements while the paver is moving

3.6 If the paver stops for more than 60 sec., exclude the area 2-ft. behind and 8-ft. in front (in the direction of
travel) of the last temperature measurement.

3.7 Proceed to Section 3.8 when using a thermal imaging camera. Proceed to Section 3.9 when using a thermal
imaging system.

3.8 Using the Thermal Camera:

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 2 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

3.8.1 Adjust the thermal camera settings such that the emissivity is 1.00, the reflected temperature is 68°F, the
distance is 10-ft. Adjust the unit settings of the camera such that the language is English, the temperature
unit is °F, the distance unit is feet, the correct date and time is entered, and the color is rainbow.
Note 2— Refer to the owner’s manual for more information regarding how to change the settings
Note 3— The settings are saved by the thermal camera and typically only need to be inputted into the
thermal camera once.

3.8.2 Before beginning the thermal profile, notify the paving crew and roller operator that the thermal profile is
about to begin. Designate a spotter to assist the person completing the thermal profile.

3.8.3 Turn the camera on and allow the camera to remain on for a minimum of 5 min. before beginning the thermal
profile.
Note 4— If the tilde sign “~” is observed before the temperature reading in the top left corner of the screen,
the camera has not had enough time to warm up.
Note 5— The shutter should remain closed while the camera is warming up and when the camera is not in
use to protect the lens.

3.8.4 Using a measuring wheel or device, mark the pavement edge ahead of the paver at the beginning of the
thermal profile, 20-ft. from the beginning of the thermal profile, and at the ending location of each thermal
profile using spray paint as shown in Figure 1. Refer to the Marker Numbers in Figure 1.

Marker Numbers (MN)

MN1 – identifies the beginning of the thermal profile
MN2 – at a distance of 20-ft. from MN1
MN3 – at a distance of 150-ft. from MN1
Note 6— Mark the pavement edge with the markings shown in Figure 1 before performing the thermal
profile.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 3 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

2’ zone not to influence thermal profile result

2’ zone not to influence thermal profile result

Figure 1—Thermal Profile when Using a Handheld Thermal Camera.

3.8.5 Record the beginning and ending station numbers of all thermal profiles. The total length of the temperature
profile is approximately 150-ft.

3.8.6 Return to the location of MN1. Adjust the camera to read hot spot by pressing the navigation pad, selecting
the measurement icon and pressing the navigation pad, and selecting hot spot and pressing the navigation
pad.
Note 7— The crosshairs on the screen of the camera should be red.

3.8.7 Open the shutter by sliding the lever above the trigger.
Note 8— When the shutter is open, do not point the camera at the sun; direct exposure can affect the
accuracy and damage the detector.

3.8.8 When the paver passes MN1, place a 2-ft. board with a string attached with one end on the near edge of the
pavement and the other extending on the pavement surface. The end of the board with the string must be
placed in line with the pavement marker identifying the location of MN1. Refer to the photograph in Figure 2.
Note 9— The 2-ft. board provides a reference before exclude the temperature measurements within 2-ft. of
the near edge of the uncompacted mat. The board has a string attached to one end so it can be removed
when standing several feet away from the pavement edge.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 4 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

Far edge of
pavement

Figure 2—Location of the 2-ft. Board with String on Pavement Surface.

3.8.9 Hold the camera in one hand with your elbow next to your side. Your feet and body should be pointed
parallel to the pavement near edge. Hold the end of the string in the other hand. Refer to the photograph in
Figure 3.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 5 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

Figure 3—Photograph Illustrating the Proper Orientation of the Person Performing the Thermal Profile.

3.8.10 Locate the end of the board on the bottom of the screen on the thermal camera. Move towards or away from
the pavement near edge and adjust the angle of your arm until the far edge of the pavement and the end of
the board is visible in the image as shown in Figure 4.
Note 10— Hold the camera at an angle that is comfortable, and position the camera close enough to be able
to read the temperature in the top left corner on the screen. You should be approximately 3-ft. to 4-ft. from
the pavement near edge. Refer to the photograph in Figure 3 for the proper orientation.

3.8.11 Once the far edge of the pavement and the end of the board are observed on the thermal camera screen as
shown in Figure 4, make note of the distance between you and the near edge of the pavement
(approximately 3-ft. to 4-ft.). Also make note of the clearance between the far edge of the pavement and the
top of the screen on the thermal camera as shown in the thermal image in Figure 5.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 6 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

Figure 4—Thermal Image Showing the End of the 2-ft. Board and the Far Edge of the Pavement

Figure 5—Thermal Image Demonstrating the Clearance Between the Far Edge of the Pavement and the
Top of the Screen on the Image of the Thermal Camera.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 7 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

3.8.12 Throughout the thermal profile, keep the same distance between you and the near edge of the pavement
with the same arm angle as shown in Figure 3, while also maintaining the clearance shown in Figure 5.
Note 11— The temperature icon in the top left corner of the screen can be used as a guide to establish the
clearance. For example, in Figure 5, the far edge of the pavement is apparent due to the distinct blue color
associated with the low temperature. In Figure 5, the far edge of the pavement lines up with the degree (°)
symbol. It is recommended that the clearance as shown in Figure 5 is minimized to ensure the middle of the
pavement is analyzed. The far edge of the pavement should not extend below the black boxes surrounding
the temperature and unit of measurement black box on the camera screen (black boxes surrounding “max
241” and °F) as shown in Figure 5.
Note 12— The clearance is necessary to develop the contrast needed to view colder areas on the pavement
surface.
Note 13— The temperature scale on the right-hand side of the thermal image is not used for conducting the
thermal profile. Only the temperature recorded in the top left corner of the screen is used for the thermal
profile.

3.8.13 Remove the board from the pavement by pulling the string. Do not move away from the pavement near edge
during this process. If the angle of the camera changed, reset the angle by closely matching the same
clearance between the far edge of the pavement and the top of the screen on the thermal camera as shown
in Figure 5.

3.8.14 Walk approximately 5-ft. to 20-ft. behind the paver at the same speed as the paver, keeping the same
distance behind the paver. Walk parallel along the near edge of the pavement, keeping the same distance
from the near edge of the pavement. Maintain the same clearance shown in Figure 3 and the same arm
angle.

3.8.15 Determine the maximum baseline temperature by recording the maximum temperature observed in the top
left corner of the screen from the area between pavement markings MN1 and MN2. For documentation
purposes, take a minimum of three pictures throughout this section by pulling the trigger on the camera.
Note 14—The temperature shown in the top left corner of the screen is measured within the box drawn on
the thermal image in Figure 6.
Note 15—The maximum baseline temperature must be determined before initially compacting the mat with
the breakdown roller.
Note 16— If the paver stops for more than 60 sec. during the determination of the maximum baseline
temperature between pavement markings MN1 and MN2, reset the pavement markings and perform the
thermal profile again.

3.8.16 After determining and recording the maximum baseline temperature between pavement markings MN1 and
MN2, determine the minimum allowable profile temperature by subtracting 25°F from the maximum baseline
temperature measured in Section 3.8.15.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 8 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

Figure 6—Thermal Image Illustrating the Box in which the Temperature is Measured by the Thermal
Camera.

3.8.17 At the mark identifying the location of MN2, adjust the camera to read cold spot by pressing the navigation
pad, selecting the measurement icon and pressing the navigation pad, and selecting cold spot and pressing
the navigation pad.
Note 17— The crosshairs on the screen of the camera should be blue.

3.8.18 Continue walking behind the paver as described in Section 3.8.14.

3.8.19 For documentation purposes, take a minimum of 15 pictures between the markings MN2 and MN3 by pulling
the trigger on the camera.

3.8.20 While walking parallel along the near edge of the pavement, view the temperatures in the top left corner of
the screen on the thermal camera as shown in Figure 6. Also, view the screen for areas that have abrupt
color changes as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. Determine if the temperature in the top left corner of the
screen of the thermal camera is less than the minimum allowable profile temperature determined in Section
3.8.16.
Note 18— The appearance of thermal segregation is typically blue or green surrounded by white or red as
observed in the thermal images in Figure 7 and Figure 8.

3.8.21 If any blue areas on the pavement surface are observed on the screen of the thermal camera, determine if
thermal segregation exists by comparing the temperature in these areas to the minimum allowable profile
temperature determine in Section 3.8.16. Take pictures by pulling the trigger on the camera.
Note 19—As previously discussed, the temperature shown in the top left corner of the screen is measured
within the box drawn on the thermal image in Figure 6. During the thermal profile, if any suspect areas are
observed outside of this box on the pavement surface, angle the camera such that the box includes these
areas.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 9 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

Note 20— The temperature should be determined before initially compacting the mat with the breakdown
roller.

3.8.22 If the minimum temperature observed is less than the minimum allowable profile temperature, mark the area
in question on the near edge of the pavement using spray paint. Record the lowest temperature observed.
Record the station number to identify the location on the mat where the thermal segregation was observed.
Take pictures by pulling the trigger on the camera.

3.8.23 Identify the type of thermal segregation (moderate or severe) by subtracting 25°F and 50°F from the
maximum baseline temperature determined in Section 3.8.15.

Figure 7—Thermal Images Showing the Abrupt Color Change Between Pavement With Thermal Segregation and Pavement
Without Thermal Segregation.

3.8.24 If you need to move away from the pavement for any reason, reset the distance between you and the
pavement by using the 2-ft. board and the method discussed in Sections 3.8.8 to 3.8.13.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 10 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

Figure 8—Additional Examples of Thermal Segregation Viewed on the Screen of the Thermal Camera
(Indicated by the Dashed-Black Rectangles).

3.8.25 If the paver stops for more than 60 sec. during the thermal profile, exclude the area 2-ft. behind and 8-ft. in
front (in the direction of travel) of the last temperature measurement. Add approximately 10-ft. of length to the
thermal profile for every paver stop.

3.8.26 When the paver begins moving again reset the distance between you and the pavement by using the 2-ft.
board and the method discussed in Sections 3.8.8 to 3.8.13 and continue the thermal profile.

3.8.27 Evaluate the temperature of the uncompacted mat under the screed heaters to ensure the screed heaters did
not overheat the mat. If the temperature exceeds the maximum production temperature of the mixture
allowed by specification, mark the area in question on the near edge of the pavement, using spray paint.
Record the highest temperature observed and the station number to identify the location on the mat. Take
additional pictures for documentation.
Note 21—The Engineer may require further testing as determined by the specification.

3.8.28 Continue the thermal profile until reaching the mark MN3. After completion of the thermal profile, close the
shutter to protect the lens.

3.8.29 Proceed to Section 4.

3.9 Using the Thermal Imaging System:

3.9.1 Install and operate the thermal imaging system on the paver following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

3.9.2 Verify the calibration for each temperature sensor before collecting temperature measurements per
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Note 22—Check calibration of each temperature sensor to a known standard on an annual basis and
recalibrate if necessary. Document the yearly calibration result.

3.9.3 Configure the thermal imaging system to record pavement temperatures at increments of no more than 1-ft.
of forward movement.

3.9.4 The total length of the thermal profile is approximately 150-ft. Collect temperature reading continuously
throughout the entire 150-ft. length as shown in Figure 9.

3.9.5 Obtain the maximum baseline temperature and the minimum profile temperatures by analyzing the
temperature readings recorded continuously throughout the thermal profile.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 11 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

2' zone not to influence thermal profile result

2' zone not to influence thermal profile result

Figure 9—Thermal Profile when Using a Thermal Imaging System

3.9.6 Generate the test report produced by the thermal imaging system using the vendor software or third-party
software from the temperature readings measured in Section 3.9.5.
Note 23—The test report must include the temperatures and locations (station numbers, GPS coordinates,
or other acceptable means) of where moderate or severe thermal segregation exists. The report must also
include the number of thermal profiles and the percentage of moderate and severe thermal segregation for
each day.
Note 24— If using the Veta software, apply the “minimum temperature > 180°F” and “remove cold edges
and ride brackets” filters during the post-processing data analysis and before identifying the type of thermal
segregation.
Note 25— Identify the type of thermal segregation (moderate or severe) by subtracting 25°F and 50°F from
the maximum baseline temperature determined in Section 3.9.5.

3.9.7 Proceed to Section 4.

4. CALCULATIONS
4.1 Calculate and record the temperature differential of the uncompacted mat surface when using a thermal
camera or a thermal imaging system:

Temperature Differential = Maximum Baseline Temperature - Minimum Profile Temperature

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 12 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023
 THERMAL PROFILE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT TXDOT DESIGNATION: TEX-244-F

Note 26—Designate the Temperature Differential as no thermal segregation, moderate thermal segregation,
or severe thermal segregation.
Any areas that have a temperature differential greater than 25°F but not exceeding 50°F are deemed to
contain moderate thermal segregation. Any areas that have a temperature differential greater than 50°F are
deemed to contain severe thermal segregation.
Note 27—When using the thermal imaging system, the minimum and maximum temperatures within each
profile are determined using the statistical 1 percentile and 98.5 percentile, respectively.

5. REPORT FORMS

5.1 [Link], “Thermal Profile of Hot Mix Asphalt (4 Sublots Included).”

6. ARCHIVED VERSIONS

6.1 Archived versions are avaliable.

EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 2023

MATERIALS AND TESTS DIVISION 13 – 13
REVIEW DATE: JULY 2023