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Abstract
The objective of this paper is to present a promising technology for quantifying the surface condition of seal coated pavements and thus, assisting pavement maintenance engineers in prioritizing pavement preservation projects on a basis of measured condition rather than qualitative ratings. It details a computer analysis of over 100 Texas seal coat projects using digital imaging techniques based on information theory which permits the derivation of an objective measurement of a digital image's information content utilizing the two-dimensional Fourier transform. The information content is governed by the pavement's surface texture. This metric allows seal coat surface conditions to be quantitatively rated and for satisfactory and unsatisfactory surface textures to be differentiated. Presently, a qualitative rating system is used to program and budget seal coat maintenance projects. The paper concludes that this system provides an improved surface condition evaluation, thus, permitting a more efficient distribution of limited maintenance and construction budgets.
Acknowledgements
This study was conducted for the Texas Department of Transportation under the title “Seal Coat Constructability Review.” The authors would like to thank Thomas Bohuslav, P.E., Director of Construction Division, Richard Walker, Brownwood District Laboratory Supervisor, George Dozier, Lubbock District Maintenance Manager and the 10 members of the project advisory committee for their outstanding support and contributions.