Data Collection Services Offered By IMS Include:

• Automated Distress Data Collection
• Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) Data Collection, Surveys & Ratings
• Roughness and Rutting Measurements
• Roadway Crossfall, Grade and Radius of Curvature Data Collection
• Nondestructive Dynaflect and Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) Testing
• Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 34 Surveys
• Right of Way Asset Data Collection (condition rating, inventories & geolocation)
• Pavement View Digital Video Data Collection
• GPS Coordinate, Geometric & Trace Surveys
• Visual Extent & Severity Data Collection and Survey

The Laser Road Surface Tester (RST) at a Glance:

Further Review of the RST Components

Laser Camera Array

The laser camera array is capable of collecting automated pavement condition data in the form of roughness to International Roughness Index (IRI) standards, wheel path rutting, transverse cracking, block cracking, alligator cracking and texture. The technology driving the laser-camera array removes the subjective nature of pavement condition data collection. The pavement condition data may be processed to provide extent-severity distress ratings, or reduced to a series of index scores for loading into an appropriate pavement management software.

Cross slope, radius of curvature and grade are measured with a road geometric instrumentation system that is integrated with the RST system. These measurements are carried out independent of vehicle speed between 5-55 mph without the need of traffic control.

Digital Direct Collection/Rating system (DDCRS)

The Digital Direct Collection Rating System is a touch screen based tablet computer that allows the user to define what information (pavement distresses, attributes, asset information) is to be collected and how it is to be quantified. The DDCRS is integrated into the data flow through time code, GPS, distance and inventory control. In the context of this survey, the DDCRS will be configured to be used as a data collection and checking device. Pavement distress data will be collected continuously, while inventory and attribute data will be checked as the survey proceeds. As the operator identifies an attribute, the starting point is noted, and then closed at the end of the attribute (pavement type, lane count etc.). The attribute data is then logged against the corresponding roadway section complete with its GPS coordinate, distance and linear reference. The data can then be plotted against the source data for validation.

Pavement management survey events (such as detours, obstructions or railways crossings) and inventory related items would be collected and noted in the data. RST operators note the surveyed lane, direction, lane count (either per highway or per pass) and predominant naming convention on a section-by-section basis. Highway names will then be crosschecked against data extracted from the videos and GIS. During the pavement distress survey, changes to the inventory and base attributes will be noted and an exceptions report developed for the Department.

Distance Measuring

The RST uses dual hub mounted, pulse transducer type distance measuring instruments for collection of linear distances to less than 0.5% (0.005 miles/mile) accuracy. The distance data is integrated with the inventory; GPS coordinate data flow and timecode. The RST is capable of managing and accumulating distance by present means (say every 50 feet) or by the section. It also separates distance where the sensors are paused (for example during a construction detour), or when the survey speed falls below a minimum threshold.

GPS Coordinate Data Collection

This is a tightly coupled inertial navigation based GPS system. The unit is largely unaffected by satellite shadow caused by temporary loss of satellite coverage, tree canopy or structures. The GPS system collects measurements such as pitch, roll, and yaw. A GPS trace is used to verify and validate network coverage and the agencies GIS.

Forward, Side and/or Rear View Images

Dual forward, shoulder (or ditch), rearward and downward pavement view images can be collected using high resolution digital video cameras and frame grabber software. Images may be captured at preset distance intervals, time intervals or at a fixed number of images per section. The cameras will be oriented to collect right of way panorama, sign views, ditch views and pavement (roadway) views.

All images shall have:

• Date and time stamped, attributed with its route/section identifier and orientation.
• Integrated with the DMI reading to the nearest foot and GPS coordinate information.
• Presented in jpeg format, electronically stored on mass storage devices and/or DVD.