New Base Depth Measuring Tool Gains Support from State DOT Officials

A new field tool is changing the way contractors and inspectors measure compacted aggregate base depth — and it’s earning attention from state Departments of Transportation.

The Base Course Pro, developed by Base Course Solutions, offers an alternative to the traditional pickaxe method with a more efficient and less destructive alternative. What once took days of labor can now be done in minutes, with greater consistency and minimal damage to the finished grade.

Originally created out of necessity on one of the largest highway paving projects in New Mexico, the tool was born from firsthand field experience. After field testing, the tool proved reliable enough to gain the attention of some state DOT inspectors. It allows crews to confirm base depth across large areas more quickly, leading to faster project approvals and, in some cases, same-day paving over approved areas.

As adoption grows, industry professionals and DOT officials alike are noting the Base Course Pro’s potential to reduce labor, increase accuracy, and minimize fuel and equipment use required to restore test sites. The Base Course Pro is now being considered as a viable alternative method in updated DOT specifications, signaling broader acceptance across public infrastructure projects.