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Pavements 2025

Pavement Management Systems

Advanced Technologies, ML and AI

Using Drone Technology for Evaluating Pavement Surface Conditions at Truck Weigh Stations

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM MT
Abstract: Pavement Management Systems (PMS) play a crucial role in effectively allocating Maintenance and Rehabilitation (M&R) budgets and scheduling appropriate treatments for pavement networks. Traditionally, these systems depend on manual data collection of pavement distresses, a method that is both expensive and labor-intensive. This research investigates the potential of drones as a cost-effective alternative for collecting pavement surface data. The study specifically examines thirteen truck weigh stations overseen by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A drone was employed to capture high-resolution images of the pavement surfaces, which were subsequently analyzed using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to produce Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER) scores. The PASER ratings obtained from drone imagery were then compared to those generated from conventional manual inspections. Findings indicate that the PASER values derived from drone data and manual assessments are closely aligned, with statistical analysis revealing no significant differences overall. However, certain discrepancies were observed in Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) sections, where the drone failed to detect specific distresses, such as joint seal deterioration. This limitation underscores the necessity for enhancements in drone imaging technology or the integration of supplementary tools to comprehensively identify all types of pavement distresses.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees can expect to learn the following from this session:
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to identify advantages of drones for pavement data collection
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to demonstrate AI analysis for PASER analysis
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to compare drone and manual inspection results
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate drone technology limitations.