A Semi-Automatic Method for Identifying Defects on Road Surfaces

Traditionally, serviceability surveys are conducted periodically through visual inspection of pavements in order to identify and classify any existing distress. Though such ratings may be subjective in nature, they are very useful for project level surveys or when technical or funding limitations arise. Many authorities and organisations have devised methods and equipment to objectively measure pavement surface conditions. The latest developments in this field include the use of laser scanners and video imaging technologies. Such techniques allow for determining the geometric characteristics of the distress and its position in an ‘absolute' reference system, taking into account the precision of the measurements performed. A standardised index obtained by combining various types of distress is useful when drafting priority maintenance lists for specific road sections. A semi-automatic method has been tested on various sites and validated by comparing the results obtained with those from standard manual calculation of the index.