Abstract
Whilst it may be argued that manual methods of pavement data collection are subjective, unsafe, involve high personnel costs and have low repeatability, the initial costs of acquiring automated systems coupled with the technology required to operate and maintain them can be prohibitive for most developing countries. Moreover, automatic measurement of surface distress has proved to be a difficult challenge to instrument designers. In many cases, manual methods are the only ones that can be employed. A research project was carried out to design a sustainable data collection scheme for network level management system for developing countries. A simple procedure of surface distress assessment was developed and tested. This involved the determination of values to be used to translate data obtained by windshield visual assessment to equivalent actual data measurements. Kappa statistic was used to assess the reliability of the results. Furthermore, the research presents a filtering mechanism to reduce the annual number of road sections which should be tested for structural adequacy to a sustainable level. Finally, the timing, detail and frequency of data collection appropriate to a network level management system in Tanzania have been proposed.
Recommended Citation
Mushule, N. (2002). Sustainable Data Acquisition Methods for Road Maintenance Management in Developing Countries. Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET), 25(2), 40-54. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.52339/tjet.v25i2.324
Publisher Name
University of Dar es Salaam