MME Case Studies:  Interstate Pavement Leak

Water leaked from beneath the pavement of a major interstate highway. It was suspected that a water main that crosses the area beneath this major thoroughfare was broken.

A quick assessment was needed to ascertain the stability of the subsurface and which, if any, of the 6 lanes needed to be closed to traffic. It was necessary to find any subsurface voids or cavities associated with the compromised pipe immediately.
 

A GPR evaluation provided the answer within minutes; there was erosion in the region beneath 2 lanes which had to be closed until repairs were effected. The GPR survey also located the exact lateral position and depth of the pipe beneath the pavement, and showed signs of erosion up to the underside of the asphalt pavement.