Pavement evaluation of 7,000 km highway in the UAE

08/10/2024

    Applus+ was selected for a pavement evaluation project aimed at gathering automated data from 7,000 kilometers highway (32% of Dubai City's roads) using the advanced LCMS-2 (Laser Crack Measurement System).

    In road inspection, this state-of-the-art technology allows road conditions to be assessed by capturing 3D images of pavement surfaces and 2D images of road features, road surface irregularities, and ride quality. The collected data was then integrated into the client's pavement management system, along with 'Pavement Performance' and 'Prediction Models', to inform budget allocations for the next 5 to 10 years. The aim was to optimize pavement maintenance strategies, improve pavement performance, reduce costs, and support informed decision-making.

    The primary challenge in executing this project was operating the automated data acquisition equipment (LCMS-2) on the roads within the data collection scope. The 7,000-kilometers road predominantly comprised internal community streets characterized by high traffic congestion and lower speed limits. Consequently, daily survey productivity was markedly reduced compared to roads with other functional classifications, such as highways, arterial roads, or urban roads.

    No other company had previously executed a project of this nature, mainly due to the complexities associated with the LCMS-2 equipment handover and transfer processes upon project completion. Despite these challenges, we fulfilled the client's requirements and delivered the equipment effectively.

    The project was divided into five stages:

    • Project Management Plan and Mobilization
    • Road Data Collection
    • Processing pavement data, developing GIS databases, integrating them into PMS software, and generating evaluation reports using the same software.
    • Analysing the Developed Data Base and Generate Maintenance Management Reports
    • LCMS-2 System delivery and handover to the customer.

     

    The road inspection services we offered comprised:

    • Equipment Mobilization, Commissioning, Installation and Calibration
    • Troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment
    • Pavement Condition Index (PCI)
    • International Roughness Index (IRI)
    • Rut Data / Macrotexture Data
    • Technical Assistance
    • NOC permits, approvals
    • Vehicle Branding
    • Data Migration, Analysis in the client's Pavement Management Syclient employed advanced technology to provide precise and comprehensive pavement evaluations throughout the project, including:
    • Automated Data Acquisition System equipped with LCMS-2 Scanners
    • ROW & Pavement Camera Module
    • ROMDAS System
    • High-Resolution DMI (HRDMI)
    • Automatic Start Trigger
    • Applanix POS LVX.
    • LCMS – Geometry Data Module
    • LCMS – Roughness Data Module
    • LCMS – Rut Data Module
    • LCMS – Texture Data Module


    Key deliverables from the execution of this pavement evaluation project included the identification of roads in severe conditions and the development of pavement performance data as follows:

    1. Predictive Modeling: Pavement performance simulations were utilized to forecast future behavior based on factors such as materials, design, construction, and environmental conditions. This enabled the client's engineers to anticipate potential issues and make informed decisions regarding pavement maintenance, rehabilitation, or reconstruction.

    2. Cost Optimization: Pavement performance models assisted the client in optimizing pavement design, material selection, and maintenance strategies to minimize life cycle costs, which likely resulted in significant savings over the pavement's lifetime.

    3. Quality Control: Performance models were employed to evaluate the quality of the construction process and materials used in the pavement, identifying any defects or issues that could compromise its performance.

    4. Timely Intervention: Performance data and models were used to determine the optimal timing for pavement rehabilitation and maintenance actions, providing valuable guidance for the client's decision-making process.

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