EVALUATION OF ROAD MAINTENANCE AUTOMATION

Automated road maintenance can have direct and indirect cost savings, such as improvements in safety and reduction of vehicle emissions, respectively. Evaluating automation needs and systems at various stages of development, though, is difficult. The objectives of this research were: 1) to develop a systematic methodology to evaluate the costs and benefits of automated road maintenance; 2) to identify the maintenance activities that are conceptually feasible for automation; and 3) to assess the technical feasibility of specific automated systems. The first objective was met by the development of a comprehensive Automated Road Maintenance Evaluation (ARME) methodology that permits automated maintenance activities to be assessed from economic and qualitative perspectives. The second objective was achieved by using the ARME methodology's needs assessment procedure to evaluate the conceptual feasibility of automating the major maintenance activities of the Texas Department of Transportation. The final objective was achieved by using the ARME methodology's technology evaluation procedure to assess the technical feasibility of establishing an Automated Crack Sealer system in Texas. The ARME methodology is appropriate for application by transportation departments to support their own unique decisions regarding automation.

Language

  • English

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00716493
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Feb 22 1996 12:00AM