A specified procedure for distress identification and assessment for urban road surfaces based on PCI

In this paper, a simplified procedure for the assessment of pavement structural integrity and the level of service for urban road surfaces is presented. A sample of 109 Asphalt Concrete (AC) urban pavements of an Italian road network was considered to validate the methodology. As part of this research, the most recurrent defects, those never encountered and those not defined with respect to the list collected in the ASTM D6433 have been determined by statistical analysis. The goal of this research is the improvement of the ASTM D6433 Distress Identification Catalogue to be adapted to urban road surfaces. The presented methodology includes the implementation of a Visual Basic for Application (VBA) language-based program for the computerization of Pavement Condition Index (PCI) calculation with interpolation by the parametric cubic spline of all of the density/deduct value curves of ASTM D6433 distress types. Also, two new distress definitions (for manholes and for tree roots) and new density/deduct curve values were proposed to achieve a new distress identification manual for urban road pavements. To validate the presented methodology, for the 109 urban pavements considered, the PCI was calculated using the new distress catalogue and using the ASTM D6433 implemented on PAVER TM. The results of the linear regression between them and their statistical parameters are presented in this paper. The comparison of the results shows that the proposed method is suitable for the identification and assessment of observed distress in urban pavement surfaces at the PCI-based scale

Public Perceptions of the Midwest’s Pavements - Minnesota - Phase I (focus group)

This research is being conducted as part of a larger study of the public’s perceptions of state-maintained rural highway pavements in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Later stages of this project will involve interviewing residents of the three states by telephone to gather information about people’s concerns about the pavements in general and specific stretches of highways in particular. Information from this effort is expected to aid the states’ Departments of Transportation refine the standards used to set pavement reconstruction priorities to better meet the needs of residents

Ultrasonic Blind Stick for Completely Blind People to Avoid any Kind of Obstacles

The ability to live without being controlled by any action, judgment and any outside factors including any opinions and regulations is defined by the term Independent. But in reality physical movement for travelling or simply walking through a crowded street pose great challenge for a visually impaired person. Also they must learn every detail about the home environment such as placement of tables; chairs etc. to prevent injury. Because of this disability they have to sacrifice their independence in daily living by depending on the sighted people in every busy place like bus, footpaths, railway stations etc. This paper aims to design an artificial navigating system with adjustable sensitivity with the help of ultrasonic proximity sensor to assist these blind persons to walk fearlessly and independently in both indoor and outdoor environment. This system can detect any type of upcoming obstacles and potholes using the reflection properties of ultrasound. Attachment of the system to different body areas makes its utilization more versatile and reliable

CHARACTERISTICS AND EXPENDITURES OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE POTHOLES AND PRAIRIE BIRDING FESTIVAL

North Dakotans are well aware of the abundance of the state's natural resources. Fishing and hunting are part of the culture of North Dakota, and more recently nature-based tourism has grown in popularity. National surveys illustrate growth trends in nature tourism, soft adventure, and heritage and historical tours. Several studies identify birders as a substantial source of economic activity in other parts of the country; these estimates, however, may not accurately reflect conditions in North Dakota. While anecdotal evidence suggests that nature-based tourism has economic development potential in North Dakota, little research exists describing the characteristics or expenditures of visitors participating in nature-based tourism activities in North Dakota. Accordingly, the objective of this research was to identify the basic characteristics of participants attending the 2004 Potholes and Prairie Birding Festival, estimate average expenditures per participant, and estimate the direct and secondary economic impacts of the Birding Festival on the local economy, in order to quantify the economic development potential of birding in rural North Dakota.birding, nature tourism, economic development, wildlife viewing, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

EVALUATION PAVEMENT DISTRESSES USING PAVEMENT CONDITION INDEX

Pavement deterioration is resulted by both environmental and structural causes. It is difficult to maintain the road on the same specification that was owned at the opening and problems start to appear represented in the pavement cracks, holes and undulations and so on. Recognizing defects and understanding their causes helps us rate pavement condition and select cost-effective repairs. Periodic inspection is necessary to provide current and useful evaluation data. It is recommended that ratings be updated every year. Maintenance is an essential practice in providing for the long-term performance and the esthetic appearance of an asphalt pavement. The purpose of pavement maintenance is to correct deficiencies caused by distresses and to protect the pavement from further damage. A condition rating of the pavement will help determine what pavement maintenance technique is necessary. A methodology was proposed to investigate the pavement condition; this study focuses on flexible pavement. A manual survey is performed following ASTM D 6433. The pavement is divided into sections. Each section is divided into sample units. The type and severity of sample distress is assessed by visual inspection of the pavement sample units and the quantity of each distress is measured. Typically, this procedure requires a team of at least two engineers. The pavement evaluation results from the manual PCI survey revealed that all sections of road were fair condition. Considered the section of road that surveyed, describing the condition pavement of the all road. The pavement that has been studied at Koums area would seem to require maintenance. Thick overlay (sometimes called surface treating) is needed in a comprehensive pavement