Evaluation of Rut-Depth Accuracy and Precision Using Different Automated Measurement Systems

Abstract

Collecting accurate rutting data is important in order to assess network-level pavement conditions and to determine maintenance and rehabilitation needs and funding levels in order to optimize the use of available economic resources. The technical objective of this study was the assessment of the rut-depth (RD) accuracy and precision of different continuous automated systems (CAS), which represent the state-of-the-art for the automated data collection of rutting, and discrete automated systems (DAS), which are still used by several Department of Transportations (DOTs) in the United States. The RD values analyzed in this study were obtained by 1) field measurements at highway speeds using five different optical CAS, and 2) calculation simulating the use of DAS with different configurations. The analysis of the first type of values assessed the closeness of the RD produced by the different CAS to the RD manually measured for this study. The analysis of the second type of values assessed the effects of the number of sensors and the width of measurement on the DAS's accuracy and precision. In addition, the impact of the RD accuracy and precision on the assessed pavement condition at network-level was analyzed for both the CAS that participated in the experiment and the simulated DAS.

Road Rutting Measurement Using Mobile LiDAR Systems Point Cloud

“…An image of the yellow area will be enlarged. Thus, the continuous cloud effect will be lost, and the original cloud points profiles will be exposed ( Figures 4,6,8,10). The distance between those profiles depends on the vehicle velocity and on the sensor rotation frequency, while each profile point density depends on the sensor measurement rate frequency and on the distance between the reflection point and the sensor.…”

“…The lower the number of laser beams, the lower the chances of the rut's deepest point being detected and measured and, consequently, the rut depth can be underestimated. Initially having three laser beams, this number has increased, for example, Serigos et al [6] mention a 37-laser beams system. Another rut depth measurement specific technique includes the use of continuous 3D laser systems.…”

“…However, these systems are developed specifically for pavement distress assessment and, consequentially, they are very expensive [7]. Several studies regarding discrete and continuous laser systems comparison and precision evaluation have been published [6,8]. Besides the three methodologies illustrated in Figure 1, other approaches to measure the rut depth using geoinformation have been presented.…”

“…More recently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have been found to be an economic method to efficiently take high resolution photos along large road areas. Marra et al [11] show how the rut Several studies regarding discrete and continuous laser systems comparison and precision evaluation have been published [6,8]. Besides the three methodologies illustrated in Figure 1, other approaches to measure the rut depth using geoinformation have been presented.…”

Determination of Layers Responsible for Rutting Failure in a Pavement Structure

“…This index has been traditionally measured manually, using a gauge with either a straightedge or a wire. The method is considered "a reliable and low budget option" [4].…”