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

  • Novel concrete paving method used in Germany
    January 25, 2017
    A novel dual-layer concrete paving technique has been used on jobsites in Germany on the country’s high-speed Autobahn network This technique allows the construction of a strong and durable roadway structure able to cope with heavy traffic loads and offer a long working life. In four German states, Wirtgen SP-1500 slipformers have been employed by four different contractors to carry out dual-layer paving. The method allows a noise-reducing, non-skid exposed aggregate surface to be placed over a bottom
    Read More
  • Highways England, Kier trial warning airbag
    February 23, 2021
    “Home Safe and Well”* is not just an inflated phrase put out by Highways England to raise awareness of work zone dangers. A large prototype airbag is adding some highly visible emphasis to the agency’s safety focus, reports David Arminas
    Read More
  • Helsinki's tunnel project
    April 11, 2012
    A novel approach to utilities installation will lengthen the life of Helsinki's streets, reports Mike Woof A major utilities project in Finnish capital Helsinki will offer huge benefits for the city's streets and traffic flow rates in years to come. A new tunnel system is being excavated under Helsinki for the power company Helsingin Energia, although this will be co-owned by the city. Called the Common Utility Tunnel (Meilahti-Pasilak-Käpylä LU2), the excavations form an extensive network spreading out un
    Read More
  • Helsinki's tunnel project
    May 9, 2012
    A novel approach to utilities installation will lengthen the life of Helsinki's streets, reports Mike Woof. A major utilities project in Finnish capital Helsinki will offer huge benefits for the city's streets and traffic flow rates in years to come. A new tunnel system is being excavated under Helsinki for the power company Helsingin Energia, although this will be co-owned by the city. Called the Common Utility Tunnel (Meilahti-Pasilak-Käpylä LU2), the excavations form an extensive network spreading out un
    Read More

Highlighted Content