Identification of potential highways maintenance schemes

This paper presents a methodology for identifying potential pavement maintenance schemes from machine survey data. Highways authorities make maintenance decisions based on a number of factors; condition data is a common starting point. However, there are currently no universally accepted techniques for ranking subsections by condition, based on the comparison of data from multiple condition assessment surveys. The methodology presented in this paper utilises condition data that have been captured from standard machine-based condition assessment surveys—specifically TRACS (traffic-speed road assessment condition survey), deflectograph and SCRIM (sideways force coefficient routine investigation machine). The resultant data are analysed using a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) technique known as TOPSIS (the technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution). This technique is capable of investigating a number of alternative solutions. The road subsections within the data set are prioritised in terms of their condition relative to each other. The road subsections exhibiting the worst condition can then be highlighted and, according to their geographical proximity, potential schemes can be identified.