Pavement management system: an integrated GIS assessment approach

Abstract

A Pavement Management System (PMS) is a powerful decision support tool used to aid in various range of activities related to pavement management from planning to execution. The use of PMS provides roadway engineers with a systematic process to analyze work plan alternatives. Lebanon still lacks effective PMS strategies, therefore Balamand highway is put under study for establishing an effective PMS that will eventually address pavement conditions and suggest managerial activities to rehabilitate and maintain this section. Whilst budget limitations are extant, an optimization for maintenance and rehabilitation is to be well directed. Therefore, Geographic Information System (GIS) is incorporated to enhance and familiarize the work with PMS modules. A platform is created to evaluate the surface conditions displayed via rutting, cracking and other distresses. Image analysis is obtained through remote sensing tools in conjunction with GIS database to determine any potential obstacles and evaluate the pavement overall conditions. This system allows the generation of maps where work requirements are highlighted. The integration of PMS/GIS is a cost effective strategy to be followed on a larger scale where the information of any road is easily retrieved. The ease and flexible access of these info allow a generic sharing with related governmental authorities. Accordingly, greater interaction between the official decision maker and technical staff is identified. By adopting PMS/GIS scheme, optimum strategies are created in order to maintain pavement surfaces for an extended period of time. The trade-off between cost and pavement condition are well recognized.