Prototype Knowledge-Based System for Corrective Maintenance of Pavements

Abstract

Corrective maintenance of pavements involves identifying the existing problems and selecting the most effective remedial measure to correct the deficiencies. Regular inspection and minor repairs ensure a satisfactory level of pavement performance, and it prevents the occurrence of future major problems. Due to the unbalanced proportion of too many pavements in need of repairs and too few experienced engineers to carry out the task of condition and treatment evaluation, pavement inspections and necessary repairs are irregular and are not performed as often as needed. More often than not, methods of rehabilitation are more practically available than competent engineers. The dissemination of expert knowledge about pavement inspection and treatment evaluation by means of knowledge-based systems to a wider group of engineers (such as local maintenance personnel) is needed. This paper discusses the maintenance requirements in Ontario, Canada, and presents the development of a prototype object-oriented knowledge-based system for the inspection and repair of pavements.