Development of Automated Road Inspection Vehicle for Nondestructive Evaluation of Road Surface Condition

Abstract

An ever-growing need exists for a fast, objective, and relatively inexpensive automated road inspection system. Unlike traditional methods of road inspection, the proposed automated road inspection system relies on video images and distance tracking systems housed within a survey vehicle. The road inspection vehicle is capable of acquiring full field road surface distress information at speeds in excess of 85 km/hr. Only two individuals are needed to drive the towing vehicle and trailer along the appropriate roadways where a surface analysis is required and to operate the acquisition equipment. This type of road inspection process eliminates the need to class a road for inspection and greatly increases safety levels when compared with the traditional road inspection methods. Acquisition of roadway surface distress information is accomplished using the shadow moire method. The shadow moire method has been proven to be a fast and accurate means of measuring out-of-plane surface deformation. This method is relatively inexpensive and requires minimal maintenance while providing accurate results. The objective of this research is to refine or improve, or both, the various subsystems that form the integrated prototype system.