Contracting for Pavement Distress Data Collection

Abstract

Many agencies responsible for managing pavements have adopted pavement management systems (PMS) to help manage their pavement networks more cost-effectively. One of the most costly parts of operating a PMS is collecting condition information, especially pavement distress information. Many agencies have started to contract for pavement distress data collection. Some of the agencies have experienced problems with the data collected by contract. A study for agencies in Washington and Oregon to define the accuracy of data needed by the agencies with an evaluation of certain participating vendors using semiautomated data collection methods is described. Issues about quality control and quality assurance faced by agencies considering contracting for automated data collection also are raised. These issues need additional study to develop appropriate guidelines. The initial set provided is based on discussions with some of the agencies currently contracting for pavement distress data collection.