Application of Laser-based Measurement Systems in Pavement Management

The road pavement surface has an important role in relation to address the primary demands of vehicle movement, such as safety and eco-compatibility. In order to reduce road maintenance and rehabilitation costs and optimize the service condition of road networks, pavement management systems (PMS) need detailed and reliable data of the highway network characteristics. Laser imaging devices can be employed to collect information on an in-service pavement surface layer through a single measurement with data homogeneity and representativeness in an innovative method. With the recent developments in 3D laser sensors and information technology, high-speed 3D line laser imaging systems with high-resolution has been introduced for measuring key features of pavement surface condition. This research presents some of the key developments in recent years for laser-based distress measurement systems and explains the technology used in laser-based crack measurement system. Laser-based systems key features are introduced and compared with former data collection methods. These new systems are evaluated and described in terms of their applicability and potential for future developments.