txp-multi-pms1_BITH_C6_Final_Report.pdf

BITH

Cycle 6

Federal Highway Administration Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division Road Inventory Program (RIP)

Prepared By:

Road Inventory and Condition Assessment of Paved Routes Big Thicket National Preserve

Report Date: March 2017

Final Report in Texas

Tulsa

Guymon

Lawton

Joplin

Dallas

Lubbock

Abilene

Midland

Del Rio

Roswell

Wichita

El Paso

Houston

Amarillo

Carlsbad

Texarkana

Fort Worth

Las Cruces Shreveport

Dodge City

Fort Smith

Brownsville

Albuquerque

Springfield

Hot Springs

San Antonio

Fayetteville

Wichita Falls

Corpus Christi

Austin

Santa Fe Oklahoma City

Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors

Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve

Table of Contents

4 - 1 4 - 2

SECTION PAGE NO.

1. INTRODUCTION 1 - 1

2. PARK ROUTE INVENTORY

2 - 1

3.

3 - 1

4.

APPENDIX

8 - 1

Route ID Report, Subcomponent Report, and Changes Report (As Applicable)

PAVED PARKING AREA CONDITION RATING SHEETS

Paved Parking Area Pages

PARK SUMMARY INFORMATION

Parkwide Paved Route Condition Summary

PARK ROUTE LOCATION MAPS

Route Location Key Map Route Location Area Map(s)

PAVED ROAD CONDITION RATING SHEETS

Paved Road Pages 5 - 1

6 - 1

5.

6.

7. ROAD MILEPOST INFORMATION

Road Milepost Information and Logs 7 - 1

8.

Appendix A: Methodology for Determining Condition Ratings with the Data Collection Vehicle (DCV)

8 - 5

Appendix B: Methodology for Determining Condition Ratings Using Manual Rating Procedures Appendix C: Description of Cycle 6 Deliverables 8 - 29

8 - 20

Appendix D: Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 8 - 33

Improvements to the RIP Index Equations and Determination of PCR 8 - 1 Description of the Rating System 8 - 2 Explanation of the Condition Descriptions 8 - 3 Description of Pavement Treatment Types 8 - 4

Explanation of Condition Descriptions Manually Rated, and Parking Area Routes (As Applicable)

3 - 2 3 - 3

Section 1 Introduction

1-1

Introduction

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA), Road Inventory Program (RIP) inventories all roads and parking areas in the National Park System, and performs condition inspections on all paved roads and parking areas for the National Park Service (NPS). This report contains the results of the Cycle 6 condition assessment of paved roads and parking lots for this park unit. This assessment was done using an automated, state-of-the-art pavement inspection vehicle as well as manual ratings. This information represents the condition of the paved assets at the time of the inspection. The pavement management system utilized by FHWA and the NPS uses these assessments to estimate future conditions and help prioritize pavement maintenance and rehabilitation projects. Further information about RIP data and its role in managing paved roads and bridges can be obtained by contacting the NPS Regional Transportation Program Manager.

A History of the Road Inventory Program:

The FHWA, in the mid-1970s, was charged with the task of identifying surface condition deficiencies and corrective priorities on NPS roads and parkways. Additionally, FHWA was tasked with establishing an integrated maintenance features inventory, locating features such as culverts, guardrails, and signs, among others, along NPS roads and parkways. As a result, in 1976 the NPS and FHWA entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which established the RIP. This MOA was revised in 1980 to update RIP data collection standards and develop a long-range program to improve and maintain NPS roads to designated condition standards and establish a pavement management program.

The FHWA completed the initial phase of inventory in the early 1980s. As a result of this effort, each NPS unit included in the collection received a RIP Report known as the “Brown Book” which contained information that was inventoried during this first RIP phase. In the 1990s, a cyclical program was developed, and since then five cycles of collection have been completed. Cycle 6 is currently in progress.

A summary of the RIP collection cycles is shown in the table below.

Cycle Years Parks Collected

Cycle 1 1994 - 1997 44 Large Parks

Cycle 2 1997 - 2001 79 Large Parks 5 Small Parks

Cycle 3 2001 - 2004 All Large Parks All Small Parks

Cycle 4 2006 - 2010 86 Large Parks Several Small Parks

Cycle 5 2010 - 2014 All Large Parks (Only functional class 1, 2, 7, and new/modified routes collected) All Small Parks (all roads and parking areas collected)

Cycle 6 2014 – 2020 (±) All roads and parking areas collected at all Parks Additional partial collections of functional class 1, 2, and 7 roads at Large Parks Cycle 6 is expected to last 6 years

Note: Large Parks have ≥ 10 Paved Miles; Small Parks have < 10 Paved Miles

1-2

Since 1984, the Road Inventory Program has been funded through the Federal Lands Highway Park Roads and Parkways (PRP) Program. Currently, coordination of the RIP with Federal Lands Highway (FLH) is under the NPS Washington Headquarters Park Facility Management Division. The FLH Washington office coordinates policy and prepares national reports and needs assessment studies for Congress.

In 1998, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) amended Title 23 U.S.C., and inserted Section 204(a)(6) requiring the FHWA and NPS, to develop by rule, a Pavement Management System (PMS) applied to park roads and parkways serving the National Park System.

In 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) amended Title 23 U.S.C., and under Section 203(c)(1-2) stated that the National Park Service in cooperation with the DOT/FHWA, shall maintain a comprehensive national inventory of their transportation facilities, with the goal of quantifying transportation infrastructure needs within the National Park System.

A History of the Pavement Management System:

In 2005, the FHWA began implementing the use of a pavement management system to assist the NPS in prioritizing Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation activities. The system used by FHWA is the Highway Pavement Management Application (HPMA), which has the ability to store inventory and condition data from RIP and forecast future performance using prediction models. Outputs include performance and condition reports at the National, Regional, Park, or Route level. Regional prioritized lists and optimizations have been produced for most regions, and the Service’s overall roadway Deferred Maintenance is calculated via the HPMA.

Overview of Cycle 6:

Cycle 6 launched in the spring of 2014 and will again comprise all NPS park units that are served by paved roads and/or parking areas. For Cycle 6, all paved roads (approximately 5,700 miles) and parking areas will be collected in all parks at least once, while the primary routes (functional class 1, 2, and 7 roads) at Large Parks will have additional collections. These multiple collections will provide updated condition data on a majority of the NPS’s primary road network and help build a better pavement management system, allowing for more accurate pavement performance prediction models.

FLH is responsible for the accuracy of all data presented in this report. Any questions or comments concerning the contents of this report should be directed to the national RIP Coordinator located in Sterling, Virginia.

Respectfully, FHWA RIP Team

FHWA/Central Federal Lands 12300 West Dakota Ave Lakewood, CO 80228

FHWA/Eastern Federal Lands 21400 Ridgetop Circle Sterling, VA 20166 ( ) 4 4- (720) 963-3556

Section 2 Park Route Inventory

Section 3 Park Summary Information

3-1

3-2

3-3

Section 4 Park Route Location Maps

ROUTE LOCATION MAP

Key Map

Big Thicket National Preserve

±0 20 40

Miles

Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, USGS, Intermap, increment P Corp., NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User

Non-NPS Collected Routes

MAP 1

Rte. 5000

NPS Collected Routes

LANCE ROSIER

UNIT

UPPER NECHES RIVER

CORRIDOR UNIT

CANYONLANDS

UNIT

BEECH

CREEK

UNIT

BIG

SANDY

CREEK

UNIT

MENARD CREEK

CORRIDOR UNIT

BIG SANDY

CREEK CORRIDOR UNIT

HICKORY CREEK

SAVANNAH UNIT

TURKEY

CREEK UNIT

NECHES BOTTOM

AND JACK GORE

BAYGALL UNIT

VILLAGE

CREEK

CORRIDOR

UNIT

LOBLOLLY

UNIT

LOWER

NECHES RIVER

CORRIDOR

UNIT

BEAUMONT

UNIT

LITTLE PINE ISLAND -

PINE ISLAND BAYOU

CORRIDOR UNIT

Rte. 5001

Rte. 5002

Rte. 5003

Rte. 5005

Rte. 5006

Rte. 5007

4-1

ROUTE LOCATION MAP

Map 1

Big Thicket National Preserve

±0 1 2

Miles

Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, USGS, Intermap, increment P Corp., NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User

Non-NPS Collected RoutesNPS Collected Routes

TURKEY

CREEK UNIT

Rte. 5004

Rte. 0900

Rte. 0904

4-2

Section 5 Paved Road Condition Rating Sheets

No Data Collection Vehicle (DCV) routes or Manually Rated Routes (MRR) existed in this park at the time of data collection. Therefore, in Cycle 6, there is no data to report for this section.

Section 6 Paved Parking Area Condition Rating Sheets

User AccessInspection Date FMSS Number Surface Type

Curb Reveal (Inches)Area (Sq. Ft.) Lane Miles (11' Widths) Curb Recommendation

Curb & Gutter TypeCurb Type

Condition Rating / PCRPavement Recommendation

FROM ROUTE 5004 (FM 420)

TO PARKING

2/22/2017

34,606

CONCRETE

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE GOOD / 90

NO CURB AND GUTTER

0.596

28281 PUBLIC CONCRETE

DO NOTHING

6-1

ROUTE 0900: VISITOR CENTER

Manual Rating

Big Thicket National Preserve

Route Condition Legend – Pavement Condition Rating (PCR)

See Appendix for definitions and formulas Fair (61- 84) Good (85 - 94)Poor (0 - 60) Excellent (95 - 100) Not Rated

Rte. 5004

Rte. 0900

± 0 190 380

Feet

User AccessInspection Date FMSS Number Surface Type

Curb Reveal (Inches)Area (Sq. Ft.) Lane Miles (11' Widths) Curb Recommendation

Curb & Gutter TypeCurb Type

Condition Rating / PCRPavement Recommendation

FROM ROUTE 5004 (FM 420)

TO ROUTE 5004 (FM 420)

2/22/2017

15,740

CONCRETE

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE GOOD / 90

NO CURB AND GUTTER

0.271

28618 PUBLIC ASPHALT

DO NOTHING

6-2

ROUTE 0904: KIRBY NATURE TRAIL PARKING

Manual Rating

Big Thicket National Preserve

Route Condition Legend – Pavement Condition Rating (PCR)

See Appendix for definitions and formulas Fair (61- 84) Good (85 - 94)Poor (0 - 60) Excellent (95 - 100) Not Rated

Rte.

Rte. 0904

± 0 120 240

Feet

Section 7 Road Milepost Information

7-1

Section 8 Appendix

Improvements to the RIP Index Equations and Determination of PCR

In 2005, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) began implementing the use of a Pavement Management System (PMS) to assist the National Park Service (NPS) in prioritizing Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation activities. The PMS used by FHWA is the Highway Pavement Management Application (HPMA) which has the ability to store inventory and condition data from the Road Inventory Program (RIP) and forecast future performance using prediction models. Outputs include performance and condition reports at the National, Region, Park, or Route level. A regional prioritized list and optimization have been produced for most regions and the Federal Highway Deferred Maintenance is calculated via the HPMA as well.

In an effort to improve the accuracy of treatment recommendations and pavement condition descriptions the distresses and indexes that comprise the Pavement Condition Rating (PCR), an extensive study was completed throughout 2010 that has resulted in changes to the RIP condition reporting method and specifically, the calculation of PCR. It was determined that a better representation of PCR could be achieved by modifying the relative impact certain distresses would have on the overall rating.

Through the use of HPMA data, it was noted that false failure indicators existed with the existing PCR model, and that it would be necessary to reduce their impact. The distresses affected in this way were Rutting and Roughness. Conversely, experience showed that roadways with extensive cracking present were often shown to have a high PCR. Therefore, the crack index models were adjusted to be more sensitive to changes in crack severity or quantity. It was also determined that these issues were not due to a problem with data acquisition (i.e. the RIP “van”), but with the way the collected data was processed.

The final change was to provide guidance on when to use the Roughness Condition Index (RCI) in the PCR calculation. Roughness data is of little value to determining overall condition on routes that, due to their length or geometrics, have lower vehicle operating speeds. Therefore, in Cycle 5, only routes that have lengths of one half mile or greater and posted speed limits of 25 mph or greater will have RCI reported and included in the PCR calculations.

Additionally, methodologies were updated in 2013 for Manually Rated Routes (paved routes that the collection vehicle is unable to drive) as well as Parking Areas to provide more accurate condition data to the HPMA. These updated methodologies allow for the efficient assessment of pavement conditions using a visual inspection method to denote specific distresses. These distresses are indicative of current conditions, the causes for current and future deterioration, and identify the level of targeted repair and rehabilitation practices required.

The changes that were implemented were endorsed by management at both the FHWA and NPS. In order to show the effectiveness of these changes, several sites were ground truth tested in early 2014 to ensure that an improvement was achieved between the relationship of PCR and the actual Maintenance and Rehabilitation needs that were represented. The changes will allow greater use of RIP and HPMA data for not simply condition data reporting, but also as a reliable tool for project identification and selection.

8-1

Description of the Rating System

The Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service Road Inventory Program (NPS-RIP), collects roadway condition data on paved surfaces (asphalt, concrete, brick, and cobblestone) on roads, parkways, and parking areas in national parks nationwide. The road surface condition data is collected using an automated Data Collection Vehicle (DCV) and manually using Manually Rated Route (MRR) procedures. Roads having brick or cobblestone surfacing are not normally surveyed with the DCV, but are manually rated for condition rating.

The FHWA RIP is implemented based on the premise that an accurate pavement surface condition assessment can be accomplished using automated crack detection technology as applied to digital images.

Various methods of pavement condition assessment have been developed over the years with varying degrees of accuracy and acceptance. The use of digital photography to record pavement images and subsequent crack detection and classification has undergone continuous improvements over the past decade. Digital cameras with increasingly superior resolution and high definition have become more affordable, and the proprietary programming code and algorithms have been improved in crack detection software.

With the use of quality digital photography and automated crack detection software, FHWA RIP is tasked with executing a pavement condition assessment on a network of roughly 5,700 miles of National Park Service roads and parkways. Because a subset of roads will be collected multiple times this cycle, the total collection length will be around 13,000 miles. Foremost in setting up the basis of pavement distress identification is employing the distress identification protocols used by FHWA. There is no single distress identification system that is universal among entities conducting a program of distress identification. For the purpose of the NPS RIP, FHWA employs distress identification protocols that are specific to this program.

FHWA has referenced the “Distress Identification Manual for the Long-Term Pavement Performance Program”, Publication No. FHWA-RD 03-031, June 2003, as the point-of- reference for distress types on NPS pavement. In truth, the FHWA RIP distress types are similar to those described in the LTPP manual with some modifications. This document, “Distress Identification Manual for the NPS Road Inventory Program, Cycle 6, 2014-2020” was developed using the “Distress Identification Manual for the Long-Term Pavement Performance Program” as a guideline. Definitions of severity levels based on crack width contained in this document adhere to the LTPP Distress ID Manual. Modifications have been made to the definition of Alligator and Longitudinal Cracking and determination of Alligator Cracking severity. This manual also addresses Rutting and Roughness and its application to RIP.

Cycle 6 has launched in the spring of 2014 and will again comprise all parks, large and small, that are served by paved roads and/or parking areas. For Cycle 6, roughly 333 large and small parks will have all paved routes and parking areas collected at least once in the cycle, some will have multiple collections depending on the size of the park and the functional class of the route.

This “Distress Identification Manual for the NPS Road Inventory Program, Cycle 6, 2014- 2020” will be used as a reference resource in crack detection and classification, determination of distress severity and extent, and in the calculation of distress index values for the FHWA RIP Cycle 6.

8-2

Explanation of the Condition Descriptions

In addition to the RIP Index changes that were implemented in Cycle 5, we will also aim to provide greater assistance in translating good/fair/poor categories into pavement needs categories. The PCR can be used to indicate the place in the Pavement Life Cycle and the types of treatments that should be considered now and into the future.

Excellent/New: PCR of 95-100. Pavements in this range will require only spot repairs Good: PCR of 85-94. Pavements in this range will likely be candidates for preventive maintenance. Examples include Chip and Slurry Seals, Micro Surfacing and Thin Overlays.

Fair: PCR of 61-84. Pavements in this range will likely be candidates of Light Rehabilitation (L3R). Examples include single-lift overlays up to 2.5 inches in total thickness, milling and overlays.

Poor: PCR of 60 or below. Pavements in this range will likely be candidates of Heavy Rehabilitation or Reconstruction (H3R or 4R). Examples include Pulverization, Multiple Lift Overlays, and Reconstruction.

At this time, specific maintenance and rehabilitation activities should be evaluated and recommended at the project level. Site-specific conditions that influence treatment type should be determined based on performing a subsurface investigation and/or pavement condition survey, and not be based solely on RIP data. Additionally, RIP produces a snapshot of conditions the year in which the data was collected. For further information or to obtain additional PMS data from our (HPMA) please contact the Eastern Federal Lands pavement team.

Pa ve m en t C on di tio n R at in g

Pavement Age

Condition Categories and Treatments

Reconstruction

POOR/Heavy Rehabilitation

GOOD/Preventive Maintenance GOOD/PreventiveGOOD/P i MMMaintMainiMaiM i tenatena EXCELLENT/Localized Repairs Only

FAIR/Light Rehabilitation

8-3

Description of Pavement Treatment Types

1. Preventive Maintenance is a planned strategy of cost-effective treatments to an existing roadway system and its appurtenances that preserves the system, retards future deterioration, and maintains or improves the functional condition of the system (without significantly increasing the structural capacity). Preventive maintenance is typically applied to pavements in good condition having significant remaining service life. As a major component of pavement preservation, preventive maintenance is a strategy of extending the service life by applying cost-effective treatments to the surface or near-surface of structurally sound pavements. Examples of preventive treatments include asphalt crack sealing, chip sealing, slurry or micro-surfacing, thin and ultra-thin hot-mix asphalt overlay, concrete joint sealing, diamond grinding, dowel-bar retrofit, and isolated, partial and/or full-depth concrete repairs to restore functionality of individual slabs.

2. Pavement Rehabilitation consists of structural enhancements that extend the service life of an existing pavement and/or improve its load carrying capacity. Rehabilitation techniques include restoration treatments and structural overlays. Rehabilitation projects extend the life of existing pavement structures either by restoring existing structural capacity through the elimination of age-related, environmental cracking of embrittled pavement surface or by increasing pavement thickness to strengthen existing pavement sections to accommodate existing or projected traffic loading conditions. Two sub-categories result from these distinctions, which are directly related to the restoration or increase of structural capacity.

Light Rehabilitation (L3R) - Examples include single-lift overlays up to 2.5 inches in total thickness and milling and overlays for flexible pavements

Heavy Rehabilitation (H3R) – Requires rehabilitation with grade improvement. H3R stands for resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation projects. H3R projects typically involve multi-depth (overlays greater than 2.5 inches) pavement improvement work (short of full-depth replacement) and targeted safety improvements. H3R projects generally involve retention of the existing three-dimensional alignment.

3. Reconstruction (4R) is defined as the replacement of the entire existing pavement structure by the placement of the equivalent or increased pavement structure. Reconstruction usually requires the complete removal and replacement of the existing pavement structure. Reconstruction may utilize either new or recycled materials incorporated into the materials used for the reconstruction of the complete pavement section. Reconstruction is required when a pavement has either failed or has become functionally obsolete.

8-4

Appendix A

Methodology for Determining Condition Ratings with the Data Collection Vehicle (DCV)

8-5

Surface Distresses Identified by the Data Collection Vehicle

Surface Condition Rating – SCR

Surface distresses are measured in the primary lane only. In the classification and measurement of all paved surface condition data, results will be reported in the database in record intervals of 0.02 miles (105.6 feet) (smallest granularity) along the route.

Surface distresses and rutting are determined from digital images that provide both the longitudinal and transverse profile. The images also provide an elevation profile of the road, creating a 3-dimensional image of the paved surface.

Transverse Cracks Longitudinal Cracks Alligator Cracks Patching/Potholes Rutting

Each of the five surface distresses is assigned a computed surface distress index Transverse Crack Index Longitudinal Crack Index Alligator Crack Index Patching/Pothole Index Rutting Index

Surface distress data are classified as listed above, measured for severity, and quantified for extent.

Classification, severity, and extent of these five surface distresses comprise the three main elements for calculation of Surface Condition Rating (SCR).

In addition to the five surface distresses, a Structural Crack Index is computed, which is a combination of the Longitudinal Crack Index and the Alligator Crack Index. The Structural Crack Index is then used in lieu of the LC and AC indices to compute SCR.

Roughness Condition Index - RCI

Additional condition data measured by DCV (lasers and accelerometers) Roughness (IRI)

Roughness is measured by FHWA’s DCV and reported as International Roughness Index (IRI) in inches/mile. Using IRI, the Roughness Condition Index (RCI) is computed.

Pavement Condition Rating - PCR

Using the SCR (computed from the five surface distresses) and the RCI, an overall Pavement Condition Rating (PCR) is computed. The formula for PCR is:

Asphalt PCR = (0.60 * SCR) + (0.40 * RCI) Concrete PCR = RCI

A detailed description of each distress index formula, roughness index formula, SCR and PCR is provided in this document.

8-6

Each classified surface distress will fall into one or more severity - LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH based on criteria listed. For each severity, an extent is established based on the measured quantity of the distress within that severity. Within each severity individual distresses are assigned a Maximum Allowable Extent (MAE). For example, LOW severity transverse cracking may be allowed up to 21.1 cracks within a 0.02 mile interval before it reaches MAE and fails.

The index formulas are based on a scale of 0 to 100. A PCR index value of 100 would indicate a “new” road with no measurable distresses or rough ride. A PCR value of 60 is determined to be terminable serviceability and the road is considered failed. The range of index values with condition descriptors is:

POOR = (less than or equal to 60), FAIR= (61 – 84), GOOD= (85 - 94), EXCELLENT= (95 - 100)

Index values are generally computed based on cumulative deducts of the measured severities. As shown in the index formulas below, as any single severity reaches or exceeds MAE, the index computes to a value of 60 or less, and the road fails for that 0.02 interval.

Note: As a result of a unique combination of measured surface distresses and IRI, index values occasionally compute to less than 0 or greater than 100. In this instance, an index value less than 0 defaults to 0. Index values greater than 100 defaults to 100. For all indices, a higher value indicates a better road condition, and a lower value indicates a poorer road condition.

On the following page, Table 1 summarizes the different types of distresses measured.

8-7

ASPHALT-SURFACED PAVEMENT DISTRESS TYPES WITH RUTTING AND ROUGHNESS

Distress Type Units Of Measure Converted To

Defined Severity Levels?

Measured By

Alligator Cracking Square Feet Percent of Lane Per

0.02 Mile Yes

3 Dimensional pavement imaging system

Transverse Cracking Linear feet Number of Cracks Per 0.02 Mile Yes

3 Dimensional pavement imaging system

Longitudinal Cracking Linear feet

Percent of Lane Length Per 0.02 Mile

Yes 3 Dimensional pavement imaging system

Patching / Potholes Square Feet Percent of Lane Per

0.02 Mile No

3 Dimensional pavement imaging system

Rutting Inches Rut Depth Per 0.02 Mile Yes

3 Dimensional pavement imaging system

Roughness IRI *RCI Per 0.02 Mile No DCV – Lasers / Accelerometers

*Note: Roughness is measured on concrete roadways, but surface distresses and rutting are not measured.

For concrete, PCR = RCI

Table 1. Distress summary

8-8

Alligator Cracking

Description:

Alligator cracking is considered a combination of fatigue and block cracking. It is a series of interconnected cracks in various stages of development. Alligator cracking develops into a many-sided pattern that resembles chicken wire or alligator skin. It can occur anywhere in the road lane. Alligator cracking must have a quantifiable area.

Severity Levels:

LOW

An area with little to no interconnecting cracks with no visible spalling. Cracks are less than or equal to a mean width of 0.25 in. (6mm). Cracks in the pattern are no further apart than 1 foot (0.328 m). May be sealed cracks with sealant in good condition and a crack width that cannot be determined.

MEDIUM

An area of interconnected cracks that form a complete pattern. Cracks may be slightly spalled. Cracks are greater than 0.25 in. (6 mm) but less than or equal to 0.75 in. (19 mm) or any crack with a mean width less than or equal to 0.75 in. (19 mm) and adjacent low severity cracking. Cracks in the pattern are no further apart than 6 in. (150 mm).

HIGH

An area of interconnected cracks forming a complete pattern. Cracks are moderately or severely spalled. Cracks are greater than 0.75 in. (19mm) or any crack with a mean width less than or equal to 0.75 in. (19mm) and adjacent medium to high severity random cracking.

A combination of observed crack width and crack pattern is used to determine overall severity of alligator cracking. Based on above description of each severity, the highest level of crack width and crack pattern determines overall severity as shown in Table 2.

ALLIGATOR CRACKING SEVERITY LEVELS

CRACK

SEVERITY

CRACK PATTERN

LOW MED HIGH

CRACK

WIDTH

LOW LOW MED HIGH

MED MED MED HIGH

HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

Table 2. Alligator Crack Severity Levels

8-9

Longitudinal Cracking

Longitudinal cracking occurs predominantly parallel to the pavement centerline. It can occur anywhere within the lane. Longitudinal cracks occurring in the wheelpath may be noteworthy.

Severity Levels:

LOW

Cracks with a mean width less than or equal to 0.25 in. (6 mm). This also includes sealed cracks with sealant in good condition and a width that cannot be determined.

MEDIUM

Cracks with a mean width greater than 0.25 in. (6 mm) but less than 0.75 in. (19 mm). Also, any crack with a mean width less than 0.75 in. (19 mm) and adjacent random low severity cracking.

HIGH

Cracks with a mean width greater than 0.75 in. (19 mm). Also, any crack with a mean width less than 0.75 in. (19 mm) and adjacent random medium to high severity cracking.

Transverse Cracking

Description:

Transverse cracking occurs predominantly perpendicular to the pavement centerline. It can occur anywhere within the lane.

Severity Levels:

LOW

Cracks with a mean width of less than or equal to 0.25 in. (6 mm). Sealed cracks with sealant in good condition and a width that cannot be determined.

MEDIUM

Cracks with a mean width greater 0.25 in. (6 mm) and less than or equal to 0.75 in. (19 mm).

Also, any crack with a mean width less than 0.75 in. (19 mm) and adjacent random low severity cracking.

HIGH

Cracks with a mean width greater than 0.75 in. (19 mm). Also, any crack with a mean width less than 0.75 in. (19 mm) and adjacent random medium to high severity cracking.

8-10

Patching and Potholes

Patching is an area of pavement surface that has been removed and replaced with patching material or an area of pavement surface that has had additional patching material applied.

Patching may encompass partial lane or full lane width. On full lane width patching; the total, contiguous length of patch may not exceed 0.100 mi. (0.161 km). (Any full-lane patch exceeding

0.100 mi. in length is considered a pavement change). Patching must have a quantifiable area.

Potholes are bowl-shaped holes of various sizes occurring in the pavement surface.

Manhole covers should not be rated as patches unless there is obvious patching around the manhole.

Speed bumps should not be rated as patches

Severity Levels:

There are no stratified severities for Patching and Potholes. They either are present or they are not.

RUTTING

Description:

Rutting is a longitudinal surface depression in the wheelpath.

Severity Levels:

LOW

Ruts with a measured depth of 0.20 inches to 0.49 inches Ruts less than 0.20 in. are not included in the distress calculations.

MEDIUM

Ruts with a measured depth of 0.50 inches to 0.99 inches

HIGH

Ruts with a measured depth greater than 1.00 inch

8-11

ROUGHNESS

Roughness is the measurement of the unevenness of the pavement in the direction of travel.

It is measured in units of IRI (International Roughness Index), inches per mile, and is indicative of ride comfort.

Severity Levels:

There are no stratified severity levels for roughness. The roughness (or smoothness) of a road surface can be defined by IRI in the following table.

IRI DESCRIPTIONS

Type of Road Typical IRI (in/mile) New Road, no noticeable roughness <90 Small level of roughness 90 – 126 Road of average roughness 126 – 190 Road with above average roughness 190 – 253 Road with severe roughness 253 – 380 Nearly impassable >380

Table 3. International Roughness Index

Roughness Collection Parameters

On shorter roads with a lower speed limit the usefulness in collecting and reporting IRI is negligible. Lower, inconsistent speeds can lead to a less accurate IRI value. Therefore RIP has put in place the following protocols for reporting IRI.

International Roughness Index (IRI) is not reported on routes with the following criteria:

Posted speed limit is less than 25 mph Length of route is less than 0.50 miles

When a collected route has a posted speed limit of at least 25 mph and length of at least 0.50 miles, IRI will be collected except on road sections where the speed is less than 20 mph

Other situations may arise where the speed and length factors are met, but reporting IRI could lead to an inaccurate PCR. RIP will determine whether or not it is reasonable to report IRI on these routes on a case by case basis.

8-12

Index Formulas

Note: All index formulas listed below contain MAE applicable to 0.02 mile (105.6 feet) interval.

Alligator Crack Index

AC_INDEX = 100 – 40 * [(%LOW / 35) + (%MED / 15) + (%HI / 5)]

Where:

The values %LOW, %MED and %HI report the percentage of the observed pavement (0.02 mile, primary lane) that contains alligator cracking within the respective severities. These values range from 0 to 100.

%LOW = Percent of total area (primary lane, 0.02 in length), low severity %MED = Percent of total area (primary lane, 0.02 in length), medium severity %HI = Percent of total area (primary lane, 0.02 in length), high severity

Percent of total area is computed as:

square foot area of alligator crack severity

(0.02 mile)*(lane width)

In AC_INDEX, the denominators 35, 15, and 5 are the Maximum Allowable Extents (MAE) for each severity. In other words, we will allow up to 35% of low severity alligator cracking for a 0.02 interval before failure, 15% for medium severity, and so on. As you can see, if any single severity reaches MAE the resulting index value is 60, or failure.

Longitudinal Crack Index

LC_INDEX = 100 – 40 * [(%LOW / 175) + (%MED / 75) + (%HI / 25)]

Where:

The values %LOW, %MED, and %HI report the length of longitudinal cracking within each severity as a percent of the section length (0.02 mile, primary lane). These values are greater than or equal to 0 and can exceed 100.

%LOW = Percent of interval length (primary lane, 0.02 in length), low severity %MED = Percent of interval length (primary lane, 0.02 in length), medium severity %HI = Percent of interval length (primary lane, 0.02 in length), high severity

Percent of interval length is computed as:

length of respective longitudinal cracking

(0.02 mile)*(105.6 ft.)

In LC_INDEX, the denominators 175, 75, and 25 are the Maximum Allowable Extents (MAE) for each severity. In other words, we will allow up to 175% of low severity longitudinal cracking for a 0.02 interval before failure, 75% for medium severity, and so on. As you can see, if any single severity reaches MAE the resulting index value is 60, or failure.

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Structural Crack Index

SC_INDEX = [100 - ((100 - AC_INDEX) + (100 - LC_INDEX))]

Structural Crack Index is a combination of Alligator Cracking and Longitudinal Cracking, and is used in the SCR formula in lieu of AC and LC separately.

Transverse Crack Index

TC_INDEX = 100 – 40 * [(LOW / 21.1) + (MED / 4.4) + (HI / 2.6)]

Where:

The values LOW, MED and HI report a count of the total number of transverse cracks (reported to three decimals) within each severity level, where one transverse crack is equal to the lane width. These values are greater than or equal to 0.

LOW = Number of cracks in interval (primary lane, 0.02 in length), low severity MED = Number of cracks in interval (primary lane, 0.02 in length), medium severity HI = Number of cracks in interval (primary lane, 0.02 in length), high severity

Number of cracks is computed as:

Total length of transverse cracks

Lane width

In TC_INDEX, the denominators 21.1, 4.4, and 2.6 are the Maximum Allowable Extents (MAE) for each severity. In other words, we will allow up to 21.1 low severity transverse cracks for a

0.02 interval before failure, 4.4 cracks for medium severity, and so on. As you can see, if any single severity reaches MAE the resulting index value is 60, or failure.

Patching Index

PATCH_INDEX = (100 – 40) * (%PATCHING / 80)

Where:

The value %PATCHING reports the percentage of the observed pavement (0.02 mile, primary lane) that contains patching/potholes. This value ranges from 0 to 100.

%PATCHING = Percent of total area (primary lane, 0.02 in length)

Percent of total area is computed as:

square foot area of patching/potholes

(0.02 mile)*(lane width)

There are no severity levels for patching. It either exists or does not.

There are no severity levels for patching. It either exists or does not. In PATCH_INDEX, the denominator 80 is the Maximum Allowable Extent (MAE) for each severity. In other words, we will allow up to 80% patching for a 0.02 interval before failure. As you can see, if patching/potholes reaches MAE the resulting index value is 60, or failure.

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Rutting Index

RUT_INDEX = 100 – 40 * [(%LOW / 535) + (%MED / 205) + (%HI / 40)]

Where:

20 rut depth measurements are taken per 0.02 interval for each of 2 wheel paths (left and right), resulting in a total of 40 measurements taken for both wheel paths. Each wheelpath is analyzed independently for rut severities. The values %LOW, %MED and %HI report the percentage of the 40 measurements within that severity. These values range from 0 to 200.

%LOW = Percent of LOW ruts in left wheelpath based on 20 ruts, plus percent of LOW ruts in right wheelpath based on 20 ruts.

%MED = Percent of MED ruts in left wheelpath based on 20 ruts, plus percent of MED ruts in right wheelpath based on 20 ruts.

%HI = Percent of HI ruts in left wheelpath based on 20 ruts, plus percent of HI ruts in right wheel path based on 20 ruts.

Percent of rut measurements within each severity can also be computed as:

(total number of ruts within each severity in both wheelpaths) 20 × 100

In RUT_INDEX, the denominators 535, 205, and 40 are the Maximum Allowable Extents for each severity; Low, Medium, and High, respectively. Only the MAE for high severity rutting can fail a section, since 200% of only low severity ruts would yield a rut index of 85 and 200% of only medium severity ruts would yield a rut index of 61.

Roughness Condition Index (Asphalt)

RCI = 32 * [5 * (2.718282 (-.0041 * AVG IRI))]

Where:

The value AVG IRI reports the average value of the Left IRI and Right IRI measurements for the interval (0.02 mile, primary lane). This value can range from approximately 40 to 999.0.

Average IRI is computed as:

(Left wheelpath IRI) + (Right wheelpath IRI)

There is no applicable threshold for failure for this index.

Roughness Condition Index (Concrete)

RCI = (-0.0012)(IRI2) + (0.0499)(IRI) + 99.542

For concrete, PCR = RCI

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Surface Condition Rating Index

SCR = Lowest Index Value Of: [SC_INDEX, TC_INDEX, PATCH_INDEX, RUT_INDEX]

Note: The modified SCR equation above combines AC_INDEX and LC_INDEX, and considers that a single AC/LC index value of the Structural Crack Index (SC_INDEX). The lowest of the four computed index values (SC_INDEX, TC_INDEX, PATCH_INDEX, or RUT_INDEX) becomes the SCR.

Where:

See above for determinations of SC_INDEX, TC_INDEX, PATCH_INDEX and RUT_INDEX.

The threshold for failure for this index is SCR = 60.Data Collection Vehicle Subsystems

Data on paved roads is collected by FHWA using a Pathway Services Inc. Data Collection Vehicle (DCV), called a PathRunner. The DCV is driven in the primary-direction lane at posted speed limits and less.

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Cameras

Forward-facing and rear-facing video is collected as jpeg digital imagery files at a frequency of every 26.4feet.

Two forward-facing cameras are mounted above the vehicle cab, one pointed straight ahead and the other to the right shoulder providing seamless roughly 120 degree viewing. A third camera is mounted in the rear of the vehicle, recording the left shoulder.

CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS

TWO FORWARD / ONE REAR FACING CAMERA

Camera lens/type Prosilica GT 2750 (GigE Technology) Image format *.jpg Image resolution 2750 x 2200, 18 frames/second Image pixel size depends on distance Zoom ratio 16mm Fixed

Iris range Aperture Range F 1.8 – Infinity (P-Iris, Automatic

Pavement Imaging and Rutting

High resolution rutting data and surface imaging are collected in a single data stream using a three-dimensional (3D) pavement surface transverse profile data acquisition system. The 3D camera captures a laser line as it is projected over the pavement surface and uses the location of this line to measure the height deviations of the pavement surface. These height deviations can be used to calculate rutting in both wheelpaths. These deviations also provide a grayscale image detailing the change in height throughout the surface, i.e. providing depth measurements for cracking.

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THREE-DIMENSIONAL

PAVEMENT SURFACE AND TRANSVERSE PROFILE

DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM

Surface Image Specifications

Image size 1536 pixels/scan @3000 Hz Image width 4 meters (3950 mm nominal) Laser class 3B Power 16W (Two lasers @ 8W Ea) Vehicle speed limitations 62 mph Environment Dry pavement, day or night Sensor size (approximate) 1536 pixels x 512 pixels Image display length 26.4 feet

Rutting Specifications

Reported rut depth units Inches

Vehicle speed limitations Up to 62 mph Sampling rate 3000 profiles/second Transverse resolution 1536 points/profile Transverse field-of-view 14 feet Depth accuracy (nominal) <1mm

Environment Dry pavement, day or night, above 32 degrees F

Adherence to specifications ASTM E1703M-95 (reapproved 2005)

Distance Measuring Instrument (DMI)

The DMI (Distance Measuring Instrument) obtains road length measurements that are accurate to 0.15% for speeds up to 60 mph. The DMI is connected to the hub of the rear wheel on the driver’s side, and is calibrated to the revolutions of the rear vehicle axle on a regular basis.

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Roughness (IRI)

IRI SPECIFICATIONS

Reported IRI units Inches/mile Vehicle speed limitations 12-62 mph IRI equipment certification Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Wavelengths accommodated 0.5 feet to 300 feet IRI computed & reported World Bank Technical Paper Number 46 Environment Dry pavement, day or night, above 32 degrees

Adherence to specifications ASTM E950 Class 1 & AASHTO M 328

The collection system includes a South Dakota type laser profiler manufactured based on active Class 1 ASTM E950 standards. The dynamic profile of the pavement surface is collected from which the IRI roughness data is computed. The sensors include one accelerometer on each wheelpath, one height sensor (laser) on each wheelpath, and a distance transducer.

GPS & Inertial Systems

GPS is collected by an onboard system employing Omnistar real time correction and a spinning gyroscope to provide accurate positioning data in instances of satellite obstruction. All GPS coordinates are tied to an image and linear distance measurements.

GPS SPECIFICATIONS

Static accuracy Sub-meter Dynamic accuracy 2-3 meters Receiver 12 satellite tracking Coordinate system Lat Lon WGS 84 Environment Day or night Cross-slope ± 1.75% Grade ± 1.75% Adherence to specifications ASTM E1703M-95 (reapproved 2005)

*NOTE – GPS accuracy is dependent on many different factors. Satellite constellation, tree coverage, GPS receiver quality, and real-time correction availability can all affect the locational and elevation accuracies. The elevation (z coordinate) accuracy is less dependable than locational or horizontal accuracy (x/y coordinates or latitude/longitude). In areas of heavy tree coverage or poor satellite constellations, elevation data can vary by as much as +/- 100 feet.

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Appendix B

Methodology for Determining Condition Ratings Using Manual Rating Procedures

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Description of Manual Rating Methods

In 2013, the Federal Highway Administration updated existing Manual Rating Procedures in an effort to better align pavement conditions for Manually Rated Routes and Parking with the Highway Pavement Management Application (HPMA). HPMA is the Pavement Management System used by the FHWA to store inventory and condition data from the Road Inventory Program (RIP) and forecast future performance using prediction models. HPMA uses pavement condition data (collected by the Road Inventory Program) to develop life cycles for pavements and recommend treatments to maximize useable pavement life while minimizing costs associated with maintenance and repair.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed a set of manual rating methods for pavement that are appropriate for Federal Roadways. Two different methods were developed for linear roads and a separate method was developed for parking areas and nonlinear roads. These methods employ a 0 to 100 rating scale and improve consistency and objectivity in the manual evaluation of surface distresses. They are compatible with ratings that are collected by the automated Data Collection Vehicle (DCV).

The first of the two manual evaluation methods for roads uses rating criteria to assign index values to each distress type based on a visual evaluation of severity and extent.

The second manual evaluation method for roads is very time demanding and is best employed on only a select set of routes which may have the highest visitor use and require a more intensive assessment. This method will be used for the Manual Rating of Function Class 1, 2, 7, and 8 Roads. This method is based on measurements that are recorded for each instance of a surface distress. These measurements are converted into index values using conversion formulas.

Parking areas and non-linear roads are rated similar to the first method shown above, however, there are some slight differences due to the non-linear nature.

The details and criteria used for each of these rating methods are outlined below.

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Visual Inspection Method for Manually Rating Secondary Roads

The visual inspection method for manually rated roads uses condition rating criteria that have been developed by FHWA. This criteria is based on a visual evaluation of the severity and extent of distresses to determine the overall condition of the roadway. This method is used for secondary roads that are Functional Class 3, 4, 5, and 6. This constitutes the majority of manually rated roads collected by the Road Inventory Program.

Rating Section Lengths

For this method, Manually Rated Roads are rated in sections. These sections may be made based on length of changes in surface type or condition as described below. The ratings are then aggregated to give an overall rating for the Route:

Rating sections should be no longer than 0.25 miles in order to keep the area being rated manageable.

A new rating section may be started based on changes in condition, width, or surface type if these changes represent a significant portion of the route (are not isolated instances).

If the road condition, width, and surface type remain constant then new sections do not need to be created unless the road exceeds 0.25 miles.

Rating Criteria

For this method, Manually Rated Roads are evaluated using a visual inspection of the six distress types listed below. Each distress is assigned one of five index values. An overall Surface Condition Rating (SCR) and Pavement Condition Rating (PCR) are calculated based on these index values.

Alligator Cracking Rating based on percentage of road surface affected

Longitudinal Cracking Rating based on severity level (crack width) and percentage of road section length of longitudinal cracks

Transverse Cracking Rating based on crack width, crack spacing, and percentage of surface affected

Patching Rating based on percentage of road surface affected

Rutting Rating based on percentage of road section length affected by visible rutting (>1 inch depth) that requires remediation

Roughness Manual assessments of roughness are not made due to the subjectivity of the measurement. Therefore, roughness is not incorporated into the PCR calculation of manually rated roads.

Concrete Routes also receive a PCR rating based on visual evaluation of the following six distress types.

Slab Faulting at Joints Slab Cracking and breakup Surface Delamination and Pop-outs Joint Distresses Patching

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Distress Measurement Method for Manually Rating Primary Roads

A more intensive and time demanding assessment than our standard method was developed for Primary roads that are functional class 1, 2, 7, or 8. These high visitation roads are usually accessible by the automated Data Collection Vehicle but in rare instances may need to be manually rated. The method developed is based on measuring each instance of a distress. These measurements are totaled over each section length being measured and are then converted into index values between 0 and 100 (100 being a road with no distress) using index formula equations outlined below. The goal of this method is to produce measured index values which are directly comparable to the automated DCV.

Rating Section Lengths

For the distress measurement method roads are broken into sections in order to rate. Distress measurements are totaled for each section separately in order to determine the index value for that particular section. The section length to be rated is determined based on the following rules:

Rating sections are between 0.25 and 0.50 miles long A new rating section is created if there is a significant change in condition or pavement width If there are no significant changes in condition or pavement width, rating sections are broken at equal intervals, typically 0.50 miles

Manual Distress Measurements

Alligator Cracking Alligator cracking is measured by area (square feet). Instances of Alligator cracking are measured along the length and multiplied by the average width of the distressed area.

The index for alligator cracking takes the total area of cracking compared to the interval length and converts it to a percentage. That percentage is then input into an index formula that yields a value between 0 and 100 (0 being the most distressed).

Severity levels are not defined for manually measured Alligator cracks. The Alligator Crack Index formula is calculated based on an assumption of medium severity.

Longitudinal Cracking Longitudinal cracking…