Innovative Techniques with Multi-purpose Survey Vehicle for Automated Analysis of Cross-slope Data

Manual surveying methods have long been used in the field of highway engineering to determine the cross-slope, and longitudinal grade of an existing roadway. However, these methods are slow, tedious and labor intensive. Moreover, manual survey methods almost always require partial or full lane closure resulting in traffic delays, increase in costs, and inconvenience to the travelling public. In 2003, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) acquired a state-ofthe-art Multi-Purpose Survey Vehicle (MPSV) which combines the advantage of an inertial profiler with the additional ability to simultaneously collect images, cross-slope, longitudinal grade, curvature, rutting, and roughness at highway speed. To complement the MPSV system, an automated analysis tool has been developed to process pavement geometry data for identifying areas with cross-slope and longitudinal grade deficiencies in a fast and efficient manner. In addition, this analytical tool computes a drainage path along the pavement surface. The program also displays the analysis results in two and threedimensional graphical formats allowing for an easier interpretation of the data. The MPSV technology coupled with the developed cross-slope analysis tool provide an effective, practical, and cost effective method to quickly identify potential problem-prone areas along a highway. This paper presents an innovative technique for the analysis of cross-slope and longitudinal profile data, which helps identify areas with cross-slope and surface drainage deficiencies. Highway agencies can successfully implement similar systems and analysis methodology to complement and enhance their existing safety and pavement management programs. A. Mraz and A. Nazef 3