Fugro uses Traffic Speed Deflectometer scans for Highways England

Fugro has started scanning structural pavement condition data from lane 2 using Highways England’s Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD). This is the first time for such scanning as part of the routine network-wide survey of England’s strategic roads, according to Fugro. The global asset integrity specialist has been carrying out Traffic Speed Structural Surveys (TRASS) since autumn 2014 under a 3-year contract (TRASS 3) - Highways England’s largest ever outsourced contract for pavement structural condit
November 14, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
6202 Fugro has started scanning structural pavement condition data from lane 2 using 8100 Highways England’s Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD).

This is the first time for such scanning as part of the routine network-wide survey of England’s strategic roads, according to Fugro.
 
The global asset integrity specialist has been carrying out Traffic Speed Structural Surveys (TRASS) since autumn 2014 under a 3-year contract (TRASS 3) - Highways England’s largest ever outsourced contract for pavement structural condition data.

TRL, the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory, is providing quality assurance and technical advice on the €1.3 million contract.
 
To date, Fugro operators have collected and processed TSD data on pavement strength from slip roads and lane 1 of the main line of the primary network.
 
Fugro said that it has achieved a faster survey rate than anticipated for the first half of the slip roads programme, enabling network-wide completion in the same year. This has accelerated the delivery of TSD data to Highways England to support the assessment and planning of slip road maintenance.
 
Also for the first time, integrated collection of ground penetrating radar (GPR) data is underway across all 14,000km of carriageways of England’s primary roads. This provides a continuous record of pavement structure and thickness.
 
The TSD data, with GPR data planned to follow, will be fed into Highways England’s Pavement Management System (HAPMS), enhancing the ability to monitor the condition of pavement assets, prioritise maintenance and improve cost forecasting. The GPR data will be used to interpret deflectometer readings, and for improved quality control and comparative analysis in HAPMS.
 
The TSD 20-tonne articulated survey truck assesses the structural condition of pavements using contactless Doppler laser technology. The fully automated, computer controlled process working at 80km/h replaces traditional deflectograph surveys carried out at walking pace. As well as improving safety and survey rates, contactless Doppler laser technology brings improved repeatability and quality control to pavement strength assessment.
 
Fugro undertook the accreditation of the TSD as part of TRASS 3, a vital step in its application for network-wide coverage and delivery of data into a national asset management system.
 
Road testing of the TSD was carried out in two earlier contracts, TRASS 1 in 2011, followed by TRASS 2 in 2012 which was awarded to Fugro alongside two other contractors.
Highway & Network Management

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Concrete removal using high pressure water jets
    April 11, 2012
    The use of high-pressure water jets to remove old concrete on structures is becoming increasingly popular Hydrodemolition of concrete structures by robotic equipment is becoming an increasingly used method for removing deteriorated concrete with high-pressure water techniques. It offers the selective removal of deteriorated concrete, while retaining sound concrete below the intended level of removal, a process that will not damage rebar or cause micro-cracks in the concrete, as will mechanical methods s
    Read More
  • Concrete removal using high pressure water jets
    May 8, 2012
    The use of high-pressure water jets to remove old concrete on structures is becoming increasingly popular. Hydrodemolition of concrete structures by robotic equipment is becoming an increasingly used method for removing deteriorated concrete with high-pressure water techniques.
    Read More
  • Distracted driving dangers – from phone use at the wheel
    June 17, 2019
    The latest research reveals that the use of hands-free phone systems is just as dangerous as driving drunk. The UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has carried out extensive research into the use of cellphones by drivers. Moves to improve road safety in the UK have seen a reduction in the casualty rate, with a notable drop in the 2007-2012 period. However in the last five years, there has been minimal progress, with the UK’s road casualty figures remaining broadly static. There is particular concern
    Read More
  • The GRSF: breaking down barriers
    December 17, 2020
    Improving road safety can be expensive, especially for low- to middle-income countries. The Global Road Safety Facility has been working hard to alleviate the situation
    Read More

Highlighted Content