The Austroads Board has directed that senior asset managers from all member authorities (MAs) agree to and apply an achievable harmonisation approach for road management data. This report documents the development of an approach to assist MAs in harmonising road condition data outputs. It contains the concepts and methodology for harmonisation as well as the agreed data output specifications for texture, cracking, strength and skid resistance. As part of the harmonisation methodology, the results of consultation with MAs to develop the approach to harmonisation including principles, methods, specifications and their application to road condition data are also outlined. The report presents the proposed road condition data outputs in support of ongoing consultation with senior asset managers from all MAs. Workshops were held on 29 March 2011 and 6 February 2013 that were attended by senior asset managers from all MAs. The purpose of these workshops was to agree on a proposed method for harmonising road condition data for texture, cracking, strength and skid resistance. As a consequence an agreed approach to harmonisation of road management via uniform data outputs was defined. As the output data is very dependent on the collection method, the report discusses the current common practices used by MAs and some of the limitations of the collection methods which may affect effectiveness and feasibility of data harmonisation. Possible solutions or approaches to harmonising the condition data are identified. The proposed approach was presented to a working group of senior asset managers to seek comment and to set a way forward to reach harmonisation at a national level. A survey was undertaken for each MA to identify the current practices and their use of texture, cracking, strength and skid resistance data. (Author/publisher)
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