MEMS Application in Pavement Condition Monitoring – Challenges

Although the universal definition of MEMS product possesses a number of distinctive features, they are miniature systems involving one or more micro-mechanical components or structure. Infrastructure assessment has recently addressed an important field for MEMS application. For example, satisfactory laboratory experiment in the area of concrete monitoring has been developed. Although the experiment is at an infant stage, it demonstrates the enormous potential of MEMS application in civil infrastructure systems. This paper proposes to develop a framework for the application of MEMS technology in pavement condition monitoring and evaluation. Some difficulties which may be encountered, especially in asphaltic medium and loading condition of the pavement will be discussed.