Description

This practice outlines the procedures for quantifying cracking distress at the network level in asphalt pavement surfaces utilizing automated methods. Detailed specifications are not included for equipment, instruments, or the associated software used to process the images. According to these specifications, any equipment that can be adequately validated to meet the functionality stipulated herein is considered acceptable. The goal is to achieve a significant level of standardization, which will contribute to the production of consistent pavement condition estimates while not unduly limiting innovation.

The automation level covered by this standard involves minimal human intervention in the process. It is understood that the current level of technology requires significant human review of the automation process to provide Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) of the results and to detect and correct outliers. It is anticipated that the required level of human intervention will decline over the next few years.

Collect the images to be processed according to PP 68.

Sampling of images from the data collection standard process is acceptable before proceeding with the analysis process in this standard. The data sample is to be large enough to provide the confidence level required by the agency. Sample size and spacing will depend on construction practices and numerous other factors that impact pavement continuity. A 100 percent sample is recommended until a sampling method can be supported by statistical analysis.