Towards an Automated Asphalt Paving Construction Inspection Operation

Abstract

Collecting load tickets is an example of an antiquated practice that puts inspectors in harm's way either adjacent to traffic, in close proximity to moving or backing equipment, or at times requires climbing onto trucks to reach tickets. Technology exists to collect this information electronically allowing for safer, efficient inspection methods. Departments of Transportation are charged with inspecting an increasing work load with a diminishing number of inspection staff. Recently, doing more with less has led to the prioritization of inspection activities and resulted in less collection of data and visual inspection on projects. Technology advancements are available to improve data collection and provide for more efficient inspection. Using GPS and GIS technology tied into electronic scale report-out systems, a fleet tracking system traces haul routes, reports travel time and tonnage, and even assists contractors with equipment matching and balancing. Data from this system coupled with other technologies remote monitoring of temperature, intelligent compaction, and network enabled cameras provide an opportunity to enhance inspection and increase construction inspection productivity all the while enriching detail of project records. Challenges to the system include connectivity, interoperability, and usability. The contribution of this paper is to provide a framework in which to combine these commercially available technologies into a multi-faceted, enhanced inspection approach. Evolutions in the business models that State Transportation Agencies (STA) use for the development of highway construction projects are driving changes in their construction staffing needs. These changes are driven by several factors including: (1) fluctuations in funding levels (e.g. lean periods of state funding followed by the influx of federal stimulus funding); (2) dynamic sources of funding (i.e. changes in how projects are funded) across STA project portfolios (e.g. local vs. state vs. national, public-private partnerships, or any combination of funding agencies); (3) alternative contracting methods (e.g. design-build, QA/QC practices, warranty contracts); (4) changes in traditional job responsibilities (e.g. integration of construction and maintenance departments); (5) increased use of consultant services to augment in-house personnel (e.g. design outsourcing, construction inspection outsourcing); (6) changes in project requirements (e.g. increased environmental mitigation requirements for planning and construction); and (7) advances in design and construction technology (e.g. GPS machine control, 3D design). These evolutions occur at a time when STAs are experiencing significant staff turnover. Experienced personnel are leaving STAs through retirement and being replaced by less experienced personnel C. Newcomer Á J.