1665940 - Roadway Sensing and Data Analysis System

Roadway maintenance strategies can be optimized by understanding the conditions not only of the roadway surface but also the subgrade and base condition.  Visual inspections and similar methods can provide data about the condition of the surface but don’t provide detailed insights into the conditions under the surface.  Typically, major problems start in the subgrade and base and get worse over time if not addressed in a timely manner.  A sensing system has been developed which utilizes a geogrid as a sensing mechanism and provides data about the current condition of the subgrade and base.   An IoT platform is utilized to collect and analyze the data and provide recommendations as to the type of maintenance needed as well as the timing of maintenance activities.  These recommendations can be used in the implementation of predictive maintenance strategies as well as planning and budgeting activities.  This system is currently undergoing field tests in several locations including paved and unpaved roadways.   This presentation will provide an overview of the system, including the sensing technologies and the analysis process.  Results of the lab and field tests will be presented as well as a discussion of the challenges that should be considered while planning an installation of the sensing system.