Since autumn 2014, Fugro has been carrying out Traffic Speed Structural Surveys (TRASS) and the asset integrity specialist has collected and processed data on pavement strength from slip roads and lane 1 of England’s strategic road network. The current work involves data collection from lane 2 using Highways England’s Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD), a 20 tonne articulated survey lorry which assesses the structural condition of road pavements using state-of-the-art, contactless Doppler laser technology.

Having achieved a faster survey rate than anticipated for the first half of the slip roads programme, Fugro enabled network-wide completion in the same year. This accelerated the delivery of TSD data to Highways England to support the assessment and planning of slip road maintenance.

Integrated collection of ground penetrating radar (GPR) data across all 14,000 lane-kilometres of England’s primary roads provides a continuous record of pavement structure and thickness. The TSD and GPR data 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 quality control and analysis in HAPMS.

The progressive technology replaces traditional surveys carried out at walking pace with a fully automated, computer controlled process working at traffic speed (80kph). As well as improving safety and survey rates, it brings improved repeatability and quality control to pavement strength assessment.

Read more about how Fugro provides essential information for pavement management services.