Data collection is often the most time consuming and one of the most expensive elements of feasibility studies or pavement designs. This is particularly true in developing countries where there is often little reliable data to build upon. This paper addresses the types of data required for feasibility studies, particularly those using the World Bank's HDM model (1). It considers various issues associated with data collection, such as the appropriate level of detail, sampling interval as well as different ways of gathering the data. It commences with a discussion of various data issues, such as information quality and sectioning. This is followed by a discussion on location referencing. A brief discussion is given of the following important data items: 7 road roughness - the longitudinal profile of the road; 7 transverse profile - rut depth and cross-fall; 7 surface condition - cracking, ravelling, potholing, delamination; 7 pavement strength - deflection surveys and dynamic cone penetrometers; 7 traffic volume - the AADT and traffic loading. The sampling interval for data collection is discussed. Data from Benkelman Beam surveys are used to illustrate the implications of collecting data at less frequent intervals and the potential impact on the final pavement designs. (A)
Abstract