Navigating the landscape of pavement evaluation methods for asset management

Abstract: The imperative for efficient and effective infrastructure asset management has become a critical focus for municipal governments and state agencies. As infrastructure asset management gains prominence, a diverse array of inventory and evaluation methodologies has emerged. This presentation delves into a comparative analysis of key pavement inventory and evaluation techniques, including dash-cam surveys, spherical camera surveys, LiDAR surveys, 3D pavement scanning surveys, and real-time connected vehicle surveys.

Each method offers distinct advantages and limitations, necessitating a careful evaluation to select the most suitable solution for specific municipal needs. Dash-cam surveys, while cost-effective, may lack precision and detailed data capture. Spherical camera surveys, on the other hand, provide panoramic views but require careful calibration and analysis. LiDAR surveys offer high-resolution right-of-way 3D data, but their cost and complexity can be significant. 3D pavement scanning surveys excel in capturing detailed surface defects, but their coverage area could be limited. Real-time connected vehicle surveys leverage the power of crowdsourcing to collect vast amounts of data, but data quality and consistency can be challenging to ensure.

This presentation will critically examine the strengths, weaknesses, and applicability of these methods across various scenarios. Key considerations include data accuracy, spatial resolution, temporal frequency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of implementation. The presentation will also discuss how the availability of analysis through artificial intelligence impacts asset evaluation outcomes. By understanding these factors, municipal governments can make informed decisions about the optimal pavement evaluation strategy. Furthermore, the presentation will introduce a comprehensive framework to guide the selection process. This framework will incorporate factors such as budget constraints, available resources, desired level of detail, and long-term maintenance goals. By systematically evaluating these criteria, municipalities can tailor their pavement evaluation approach to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness.