United States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Implementation
Abstract
DTFH61-85-C-001This report documents the second phase of an FHWA study, entitled "Pavement Condition Monitoring Methods and Equipment". In this phase selected distress survey methods and devices, representing a range in automation, were tested from July to September 1986. The following methods and devices were included in the testing: manual mapping, detailed visual surveys using manual recording and automatic data logging, PASCO ROADRECON survey vehicle, the GERPHO survey vehicle, the ARAN survey vehicle, and the Laser RST survey vehicle. The field tests were conducted on flexible, rigid, and composite pavements exhibiting a range of pavement distresses. The survey devices were evaluated using performance, capability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness criteria. The study concluded that, at present, the GERPHO and PASCO ROADRECON are best suited for pavement performance research studies due to factors such as the permanent film record, cost-effectiveness, and data quality. The GERPHO and PASCO ROADRECON are also judged to be suitable for network and project level surveys. The ARAN and Laser RST were recommended for consideration for use in network level surveys for pavement management. It is also recommended that data loggers be used to record field data for traditional manual survey techniques
