Selected distress survey methods and equipment, representing a range in automation, were tested and evaluated. The following methodsand devices were included in the testing: manual mapping; detailed visual surveys using manual recording and automatic data logging; and the pasco roadrecon, groupe examen routier photographic (gerpho), automatic road analyzer (aran), and laser road surface tester (rst) high-speed surve vehicles. Field tests were conducted on flexible, rigid, and composite pavements exhibiting a range of pavement distresses. The distress survey methods and equipment were evaluated basedon their performance and capabilities in the field. The study concludes that, at present, the gerpho and pasco roadrecon can be used for both network level and project level distress surveys and are wellsuited for pavement research studies. The aran and laser rst are recommended for consideration in network-level surveys. It is also recommended that automatic data loggers be used when manual distress surveys are conducted. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1196, Pavement evaluation and rehabilitation.
Abstract