1.1 This test method covers the equipment, field procedures, and interpretation methods for the assessment of portland cement concrete pavement dowel bar alignment using magnetic pulse induction (MPI), also referred to as magnetic imaging tomography or eddy current tomography. Magnetic pulse induction (MPI) devices induce a weak-pulsed magnetic field that causes the induction of eddy currents in metal objects disturbing the field. When metal (dowel bar) enters into the field, an electrical signal is produced and processed through algorithms to detect and produce quantitative values for the depth, alignment, and side shift locations of each dowel and tie bar present in the pavement joint.

1.2 MPI equipment includes the following: systems scanning device that induces the magnetic field and collects the electrical signal; orientation system such as a rail system; field data collection device that collects the signal data from the scanner, performs field analysis, and stores data; analysis software package that calculates the dowel bar positions, allows data adjustments to account for detected anomalies, and produces reports.

1.3 MPI field procedures describe the steps and processes required to collect reliable, repeatable, and accurate results from the scanner operation and orientation system. Critical to the accuracy is the absence of any metal items except for the dowel bars in the vicinity of the joints being tested. Metal in the scanner and orientation system should be minimized. The scanner operation procedures cover the collecting of the data, reviewing the results on the field data collector, and determining if the data collection test was successful.

1.4 MPI interpretation methods describe how to analyze data collected in the field procedure, steps taken to address interferences, and anomalies discovered during the data analysis to provide accurate results for the dowel bar positions. Also, minimum report content is prescribed for the production of meaningful test information substantiating the results.

1.5 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.