Fugro complete ‘7,000km’ TRASS contract

Fugro Aperio collected and processed data from up to 7,000km lanes of English trunk roads as part of a just completed Traffic Speed Structural Survey (TRASS) contract. The work, commissioned by TRL on behalf of the Highways Agency (HA), saw the Cambridge-based survey specialist gain information using the HA’s Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD). The innovative TSD technology uses Doppler lasers to measure the speed at which the pavement deflects in response to load.
April 23, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
2929 Fugro Aperio collected and processed data from up to 7,000km lanes of English trunk roads as part of a just completed Traffic Speed Structural Survey (TRASS) contract.

The work, commissioned by 777 TRL on behalf of the 2309 Highways Agency (HA), saw the Cambridge-based survey specialist gain information using the HA’s Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD).
The innovative TSD technology uses Doppler lasers to measure the speed at which the pavement deflects in response to load. The non-contact IT allows surveys to be conducted at up to 80kph, vastly reducing the risk to motorists caused by slower moving deflection techniques such as deflectograph and falling weight deflectometer (FWD).

The survey data, gathered over a two-month period during February and March 2012, is part of the HA’s drive to implement annual structural testing on the English trunk road network. It will be used to help service providers better identify and prioritise maintenance schemes as well as to help calculate the value of the pavement asset.

TRASS surveys have been underway since 2009, with the ultimate aim of using them for scheme level assessment and design by 2016.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Bridge inspection: destructive versus non-destructive methods
    January 6, 2015
    Tens of thousands of bridges in the United States are in desperate need of repair. But where to begin analysing their deteriorating state? Roger Roberts* investigates tips and techniques for ensuring bridge safety The average age of America’s more than 600,000 crumbling bridges is 42 years – many are 60 to 80 years old. The situation is dire, with many described as functionally obsolete, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ latest edition of its Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.
    Read More
  • NDT sensor fusion in structural pavement condition surveys
    February 27, 2017
    Early detection of pavement defects and the causes of deterioration is essential for effective maintenance planning, writes Dr Alena Uus* There is a need for optimisation and development of UK highway survey methods that would provide comprehensive information on the surface and subsurface pavement condition and operate at traffic speed, which eliminates the requirement for lane closures. Performance of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods commonly employed in pavement condition surveys can be potent
    Read More
  • Weigh in motion and ANPR techology aid highway protection
    April 10, 2012
    Weigh-in-motion technology manufacturers have been involved in a number of significant highways tolling projects across the world in recent months, while others are looking to become involved in major new initiatives. Guy Woodford reports. The continuing global economic crisis did not prevent UK-based TDC Traffic Systems from recently securing the prized US$2.84million (€2.14million) contract to supply 20 high speed weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems for overweight pre-selection and enforcement in Saudi Arabia
    Read More
  • LiDAR surveying is making inroads into asset management
    December 18, 2017
    In the coming age of the autonomous vehicle, fast and accurate LiDAR surveying will be increasingly important, explains Valdis Vanags. The game-changing introduction of autonomous vehicles relies not only on intelligent traffic systems but well maintained roads to help computer-guided systems navigate using road markings. Laser scanning technology, too, is a game changer when it comes to planning and executing many civil engineering projects, including transport network upgrades and smart city initiatives.
    Read More

Highlighted Content