Evaluation of road maintenance automation

Automated road maintenance can produce direct and indirect cost savings; improvements in safety, quality, working environment, and productivity; and reduction of vehicle emissions and energy consumption due to expedited maintenance operations. However evaluating automation needs and systems at various stages of development is difficult. The objectives of the research described here were to: (1) 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 evaluate the technical feasibility of specific automated systems. The first objective was achieved by the development of a comprehensive Automated Road Maintenance Evaluation (ARME) methodology. The ARME methodology provides procedures through which maintenance activities or systems designed to automate those activities can be evaluated 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 (TxDOT). Of the 25 maintenance activities evaluated, those found to be conceptually feasible for automation include base removal and replacement, crack and joint sealing, leveling or overlays, pothole repairs, strip and spot seal, seal coat, ditch maintenance, traffic assistance, and paint and bead striping. The third objective was achieved by using the ARME methodology's technology evaluation procedure to evaluate the technical feasibility of implementing an Automated Crack Sealer (ACS) system in Texas. An ACS system is considered feasible, and field implementation is now in progress. Transportation departments can apply the ARME methodology in their own environments to support decisions concerning automation.