Applicability of the Functional Inventory of Rigid Pavements Using LCMS Technology

Abstract

The Pavement Management System (PMS) includes constant assessments of the structural and, mainly, functional conditions of the pavement. An automated collection, performed at traffic speeds, in which human error can be minimized, presents perspectives for PMS optimization. To contribute to the functional pavement assessment process, this study investigated the applicability of the functional inventory process for rigid pavements using equipment with laser crack measurement system (LCMS) technology. Test sections were defined following the traditional method of assessing the surface of the pavement proposed by the Brazilian National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT). Additionally, pavement surface macrotexture was evaluated to serve as a basis for comparison with the results obtained with the use of LCMS technology. The analysis of the repeatability and reproducibility of each technique demonstrated that the use of the LCMS equipment and the procedure of analysis is feasible, and could provide equations to correlate the results obtained via the mechanized and traditional procedures.